The American Teledentistry Association (ATDA) launched recently in an effort to shape the conversation around the practice of teledentistry as a tool to increase access to care for millions of Americans through the use of innovative technological advancements. According to a press release from the ATDA, the association aims to be a source of education and a home for “synergy between industry, academia and end-users of teledentistry.”

By bringing these stakeholders together, the ATDA plans to develop guidelines for establishment of Standards of Care in teledentistry practice.

ATDA is led by Executive Director Marc Ackerman, DMD, MBA, FACD. Ackerman is director of orthodontics at Boston Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of developmental biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

“The immediate goal of the ATDA is to educate dental professionals and the public about the benefits of teledentistry,” said Ackerman. “Teledentistry has the ability to help patients get access to needed dental care they deserve, both affordably and conveniently. It’s our mission to modernize access to care through teledentistry with advocacy for the implementation of innovative teledentistry guidelines and solutions.”

The ATDA has also released its first position paper titled Teleorthodontics and Doctor-Directed at Home Clear Aligner Treatment. The paper aims to clarify some misconceptions about teleorthodontics. According to the association, this position paper presents the most up-to-date evidence in support of this mode of treatment.

The ADTA’s corporate partners include Clinical Box, Heartland Dental, Rhinogram, and SmileDirectClub.