WASHINGTON, District of Columbia – The American Dental Association (ADA), joining a number of other health care provider and consumer groups, today called on Congress to pass new bipartisan legislation to help patients make more informed decisions about their care.

The ADA is a member of the Coalition for Healthcare Accountability, Responsibility and Transparency (CHART), an organization supporting the Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2006. The bill would help consumers gain a greater understanding of the education, training and qualifications of their health care providers before they receive treatment and, as a result, make more informed decisions about their own care. In short, this bill promises to improve patient satisfaction and the delivery of health care.

"The American Dental Association has long been concerned about instances where unlicensed individuals hold themselves out as fully licensed dentists, especially those who target immigrant populations,” said ADA President Dr. Robert Brandjord. “Patients can be seriously harmed by unscrupulous health care providers. This bill would go a long way toward ensuring that every patient knows exactly who is providing his or her care."

At the news conference, CHART released the results of a new nationwide survey (1001 respondents) that demonstrates the extent of consumer confusion. Among the key findings: most Americans do not know the qualifications of their health care providers. For instance, 33 percent of Americans believe a dental assistant is a medical doctor. Approximately 70 percent believe that podiatrists and optometrists are medical doctors.

"All health care providers are of vital importance to our nation's health care system,” said Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK), the lead author of the bill. “But people should not be confused about whether or not they are seeing a trained and licensed medical doctor. False and misleading advertising is fueling patient confusion. This bill will protect patients from providers who aren't being clear about their qualifications."

According to the CHART survey, 86 percent of Americans support federal legislation that would make it easier for consumers to understand the qualifications of their health care professionals, and 90 percent believe that someone who is not a medical doctor should make that clear to the patient before they provide treatment.

Members of CHART are leading professional associations representing diverse physician and dental organizations , including the American Dental Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Otolaryngology— Head and Neck Surgery, American Psychiatric Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Surgeons, and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

SOURCE: American Dental Association

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