As I’ve mentioned before, orthodontists are specialists!
In my state, Ohio, any dentist may legally provide orthodontic services whether or not they have had any particular training. But, only orthodontists have had advanced university training in an accredited residency program. In addition, orthodontists’ practices are limited to orthodontic treatment. For instance, at my practice all of our attention, energy and experience are focused on a single discipline: orthodontics!
In order to be a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, one must complete a specialty residency. The AAO logo is a sure sign that the doctor is indeed specialty trained.
However, another thing you should know about the American Association of Orthodontists organization is that they work hard as advocates for patients. I currently serve as President of the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists-a regional constituent of the AAO. We are working hard lobbying lawmakers on a few items that affect our patients:
- We are trying to eliminate the cap on flexible spending accounts (FSA) or at least allow account holders to roll-over their money to the following year. If you participate in a FSA, you know what a great tax saving it is when contributing money towards health and wellness needs. A flexible spending account allows workers to put aside money from their paycheck for health care expenses not covered by their health insurance. Because the money is pre-tax, whatever the amount of the contribution is deducted from the participant’s taxable income. Neither is it a taxable event when the participant withdraws the funds for an authorized medical expense. Eliminating the cap would allow people to better utilize their money for all of their health care needs and not just a few needs. Subsequently, allowing you to roll-over the account to the following year, also prevents you from having to needlessly find ways to use up all of your money by the end of Dec. 31 every year.
- We are working hard to repeal the medical device tax of 2.3% that took into effect in January, 2013. The tax is on medical device manufacturers, including those who make dental braces. Ultimately, this tax gets passed on to patients which in turn increases their cost of treatment.
And as always, if you have any questions, whether or not you are a patient, please feel free to reach out to me. You can contact our office at 614-882-5391 to leave me a message with your question.
~Dr. Beckwith
Dr. Beckwith has offices in Westerville and Sunbury to serve patients of ALL ages. You can reach him at 614-882-5391 (Westerville) or 740-965-8700 (Sunbury) or www.beckwithortho.com.
