The ODA represents 5,500 of the 7,000 dentists in Ohio. They are now asking their members to do more, 10 Investigates' Lindsey Seavert reported.
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"What assurances they can get that the work is being done consist with requirements of the FDA," said Dave Oswiany of the ODA.
The action came after 10TV uncovered loopholes in federal and state laws that allow dental labs to send work overseas and - in some cases - hide that information from dentists and patients.
10TV ordered eight crowns from Chinese labs. One crown showed a level of lead, Seavert reported.
To avoid a possible risk, the ODA learned that in Missouri, dentists were asked to use a form, asking labs to reveal where the work is made.
"The questions are pretty pointed," Oswiany said. "They ask specifically - is the work being done at the lab or is it being outsourced somewhere else?"
If it is outsourced, the question is where is it going - to the U.S. or overseas?
The ODA asked the Ohio State Dental Board to require the form statewide. The board agreed and will recommend all Ohio dentists to use the form, Seavert reported.
"This form was the one way we could immediately get the word out and make a recommendation to dentists because the patients are at risk," said Lili Reitz of the Ohio State Dental Board. "If the dentist doesn't have this information, why not? It was a quick, easy way to let the dentist know they should be aware."
10 Investigates contacted the lab that had the crown test positive for lead and was still awaiting a response as of Thursday evening.
In response to our story, the American Dental Association said that it would begin its own investigation, testing dental work made in the U.S. and overseas themselves.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
Web Extras:
- More Information About 10 Investigates' Research
- Read The Food And Drug Administration's Response
- Read The American Dental Association's Response
- Read The National Association Of Dental Laboratories Letter (PDF)
- Guidelines For Approving Laboratory Prescription Forms (PDF)
- Form From The Missouri Dental Board On Outsourcing Materials (PDF)
Previous Story:
February 27, 2008: Foreign Dental Work Put To Test
