As members of the American Aligner Society, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care to our patients. We believe in transparency, patient choice, and the responsible stewardship of patient information. To uphold these principles, we hereby establish the Patient Bill of Rights with 10 Patient Rights that all members pledge to follow:
Right #1: Patients have the right to be informed about all orthodontic treatment options, including expected outcomes, potential risks, and alternative treatment options.
Right #2: Patients have the right to clear and understandable communication from their Aligner provider regarding the treatment process and any changes to the plan.
Right #3: Patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality of their medical and personal information.
Right #4: Patients have the right to request and receive a copy of their treatment records, including intraoral scans, dental models, photographs, treatment plans, and financial contracts.
Right #5: Patients have the right to seek a second opinion from another Aligner provider without fear of legal or financial retribution.
Right #6: Patients have the right to make completely informed decisions about all options for orthodontic care, including fixed aligners (braces), removable aligners, hybrid treatment (braces plus removable aligners), overall treatment progress, any necessary adjustments, contracts, and potential financial obligations.
Right #7: Patients have the right to a treatment plan that is based on their individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.
Right #8: Patients have the right to know the qualifications and credentials of their Aligner provider, as well as the professionals involved in their care.
Right #9: Patients have the right to transfer their care from one Aligner provider to another, and their new provider must have access to their complete treatment records, including scans, dental models, photographs, treatment notes, Aligner contracts, and financial contracts.
Right #10: Patients have the right to expect that their Aligner provider will upload a scan of their final models or intraoral scan to the American Aligner Society for safe keeping to ensure proper documentation of their treatment journey, and continuation of care.
We, the members of the American Aligner Society, pledge to uphold these principles and ensure that all patients receive the care and respect they deserve throughout their orthodontic treatment.