A legal analysis of the healthcare reform bill has found language that imposes a tax on medical appliances that likely applies to dental appliances as well.  These could include crowns, implants, brides, dentures, orthodontic brackets, retainers, nightguards and more.

Dr. Le's Opinion:

Most doctors in our area are under contract with PPOs...a popular form of managed care.  These contracts discourage fee increases, which means that taxes like this may create pressure for dental labs and for dentists to cut corners on materials or on labor.   

The main pretense idea of healthcare reform was to make medical services more accessible and affordable.   This tax does neither.  We oppose any tax that increases the cost of care to our patients, with no tangible increase in quality or standards. 

We support the ADA's lobbying efforts to obtain an exemption on this tax for dentistry.

 

Read more about the legislative analysis here:

http://www.lmtmag.com/article/420