AAE Champions Patient Safety: Leading the Charge Against Ohio’s Proposed Specialty Advertising Rule Changes
On January 13, AAE Ohio member Steven Klayman, DDS, joined forces with AAE staff to represent the Association in opposing the Ohio State Dental Board’s (OSDB) proposed changes to specialty advertising laws. Dr. Klayman and AAE staff testified during the second meeting of the OSDB’s interested parties process, voicing strong objections to the rule changes that would undermine the integrity of dental specialty advertising in Ohio.
The proposed updates, which stem from legal pressure by the American Association of Implant Dentistry to advertise as specialists in the state, have raised significant concerns across the Ohio dental community. During their testimony, Dr. Klayman and the AAE emphasized that weakening the state’s specialty advertising requirements would allow unqualified specialty boards or organizations with inadequate training to market themselves as specialists—putting patient safety at risk.
In addition to criticizing the content of the proposed rules, the AAE strongly condemned the OSDB for its lack of transparency and bias in the rulemaking process. Many dental specialties were not notified of the updates until midway through the process, leaving key stakeholders without a voice in critical discussions.
AAE Leads a Comprehensive Advocacy Campaign
This winter, the AAE has spearheaded a robust advocacy campaign to halt the advancement of the OSDB’s proposed rules. Collaborating with key partners—including the Ohio Association of Endodontists, Ohio Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Orthodontists, and other specialty organizations—the AAE has taken decisive action:
- Coalition Letters: The AAE has led four coalition letters of opposition for the Ohio dental community, including two grassroots letters signed by more than one hundred Ohio endodontists.
- Engagement with the Governor’s Office: AAE representatives have met with Governor DeWine’s office to highlight the lack of transparency in the rulemaking process and advocate for filling two vacant specialist seats on the OSDB. These seats are critical for ensuring fair representation of the specialty community before any further rule changes advance.
Continuing the Fight for Patient Safety
The AAE is dedicated to upholding the integrity of specialty advertising laws in Ohio and prioritizing patient safety. In collaboration with the Ohio dental community, the AAE will persist in its strong advocacy efforts to oppose the OSDB’s proposed rule changes, ensuring that the well-being of Ohio’s patients takes precedence over the economic interests of any single group.
We thank all AAE members and advocates in Ohio who have contributed to this grassroots campaign. Your support is invaluable in protecting the future of dental specialties and maintaining the highest standards of care for patients in the Buckeye State.
Resources:
From Right: AAE Representative, Steven Klayman, DDS; Ohio State Dental Association, Executive Director, David Owsiany, JD; AAOMS President, J. David Morrison, DMD; and AAOMS Representative, Gregory M. Ness, DDS, FACS.