Smile Direct Club Ceases Trading
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Toothsmith
Posts: 10,074 Forumite
I don't recall anything on this Forum about Smile Club Direct - so I'm hoping most visitors here were too sensible to use them.
The shop sites they occupied have all closed suddenly though, and those people under active treatment have basically been left high and dry.
The FAQ page that has appeared on their website is interesting though...
https://smiledirectclub.co.uk/en-gb/
So although they are not offering any further treatment to their clients (I hesitate to use the word 'patients' no-one seeking treatment from these people ever saw anyone with an actual qualification) and not offering any follow ups, or honouring any agreements from their side - they still seem to be expecting people signed up to credit agreements for their aligners to carry on paying!!! Whether this actually has to happen or not, I am supposing will be down to who that actual credit agreement is with and how it was worded? I'm hoping that most of the clients might have paid with a credit card though, as that might give some financial protection.
Should anyone be looking on here for advice as to what to do next though, from a clinical point of view, I would say contact a proper dentist or specialist orthodontist as soon as you can.
Whilst being an absolute tyrant of a regulator to normal High Street Dentists - the General Dental Council, and the Care Quality Commission has not had the guts to go up against this obvious 'dental' service that came across from the States, as it boasted some extremely litigious lawyers that took action against anyone suggesting they had to play by the rules in this country.
This is a huge failure by dental and medical regulators in this country that were being contacted by dentist and dentist organisations which demanded they took action.
The shop sites they occupied have all closed suddenly though, and those people under active treatment have basically been left high and dry.
The FAQ page that has appeared on their website is interesting though...
https://smiledirectclub.co.uk/en-gb/
So although they are not offering any further treatment to their clients (I hesitate to use the word 'patients' no-one seeking treatment from these people ever saw anyone with an actual qualification) and not offering any follow ups, or honouring any agreements from their side - they still seem to be expecting people signed up to credit agreements for their aligners to carry on paying!!! Whether this actually has to happen or not, I am supposing will be down to who that actual credit agreement is with and how it was worded? I'm hoping that most of the clients might have paid with a credit card though, as that might give some financial protection.
Should anyone be looking on here for advice as to what to do next though, from a clinical point of view, I would say contact a proper dentist or specialist orthodontist as soon as you can.
Whilst being an absolute tyrant of a regulator to normal High Street Dentists - the General Dental Council, and the Care Quality Commission has not had the guts to go up against this obvious 'dental' service that came across from the States, as it boasted some extremely litigious lawyers that took action against anyone suggesting they had to play by the rules in this country.
This is a huge failure by dental and medical regulators in this country that were being contacted by dentist and dentist organisations which demanded they took action.
How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
1
Comments
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Might be worthwhile keeping a eye on
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6492046/smile-direct-club-help#latest
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