The Dental Trade Alliance has released a revised code of ethics to provide greater clarity for how dental supply and device companies should interact with providers, according to a June 6 report from Goodwin Law.
Here are 15 things to know:
- The DTA code does not establish new mandatory obligations, but provides companies with methods to improve compliance.
- The revised code offers guidelines for appropriate interactions between dental manufacturers, distributors and laboratories and dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and laboratory technicians.
- Training and education on products should take place “in settings that are conducive to the effective transmission of information.”
- Dental companies may provide professional attendees with modest meals and refreshments with educational programs.
- Companies may pay for reasonable travel and modest lodging costs for dental professionals to attend training and education sessions.
- Items with a fair market value of under $100 that directly benefit patients or have a legitimate educational purpose may be provided to dental professionals by companies. However, companies should not provide or pay for any recreational or entertainment event for dental professionals.
- There are certain situations where it is appropriate for dental companies to provide products to professionals at no charge if it is for evaluation or demonstration purposes.
- Companies may engage dental professionals for consulting services including research, product development, intellectual property development and support, speaking engagements, advisory board participation and training.
- Any expenses that are reimbursed to consultants, such as travel, meals and lodging, should be reasonable, necessary and modest in value. Meetings with consultants must be held in appropriate settings.
- Dental professionals who receive compensation from companies as a speaker or consultant must disclose that information to their audiences.
- The code allows companies to sponsor continuing education events and provide educational grants to conference sponsors or institutions.
- Companies can also lease booth space and place advertisements at conferences.
- Under the code, companies may conduct customer appreciation events, so long as the events follow applicable legal requirements.
- Dental distributors are expected to understand the specific needs of each customer, as dental practices vary in size, goals and service models.
- Dental equipment manufacturers can offer training programs to dental professionals and should be focused on professional, clinical and patient-centered information exchange. Manufacturers that sell directly to dental professionals must maintain the same ethical standards as traditional distributors.
