The complaints were filed after SmileDirectClub and D. Blaine Leeds, DDS, received a cease-and-desist letter from the dental board, accusing the company of illegally practicing dentistry in Alabama. At the time, SmileDirectClub had opened its first location in the state.
SmileDirectClub claims the dental board exceeded its authority and practiced protectionism. Dr. Leeds and SmileDirectClub alleged the board discriminated against them after ruling Dr. Leeds and the company could not practice in the state.
The company has a teledentistry platform that allows out-of-state dentist Dr. Leeds to provide aligner therapy treatments.
Alabama’s dental board and the American Association of Orthodontists argued the introduction of SmileDirectClub caused issues of health, safety and the well being of patients seeking orthodontic care.
Four counts were denied in the dental board’s motion to dismiss.
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