Nigel Carter, the Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, has expressed deep concern over the closure of SmileDirectClub and its potential impacts on customers. The shuttering of the aligner company is anticipated to have widespread negative effects, particularly for those who were in the midst of dental treatments.
Carter said, "The closure of SmileDirectClub has created an upsetting situation for many patients who were undergoing dental treatments." He further expressed his anxiety about the situation, stating, "We are extremely worried about what impact this will have on the oral health and mental wellbeing of thousands of people currently undergoing treatment."
SmileDirectClub, a company specializing in aligners, launched its initial public offering in 2019 with a promising valuation of 7 billion euros. However, due to legal complications and financial difficulties, it experienced a significant decrease in value over subsequent years. In September, SmileDirectClub initiated Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceedings. With debts amounting to approximately 700 million euros and no prospective investors stepping forward to salvage the business, the company was compelled to declare bankruptcy. This development poses significant challenges for customers who relied on SmileDirectClub for their dental and orthodontic needs.
According to Carter: "It all leaves a very bitter taste. Patients have been left in the lurch and it will now no doubt fall on orthodontists to rescue the situation for those SmileDirectClub customers who remain unhappy with their smile. Patients who are already rightly feeling let down, angry and frustrated will now be in a position where their treatment will not be completed as quickly as they thought. They are also facing further costs. Patient expectations will need to be delicately managed."
The Oral Health Foundation had previously raised concerns about SmileDirectClub's approach towards diagnosing patients and providing remote treatment for complex conditions. Now that the company has ceased operations, customers face new challenges as they seek alternative providers for dental care.
In relation to this, Carter stated: "Our hearts go out to the patients who placed their trust in SmileDirectClub. The sense of abandonment they now face is truly distressing. It is infuriating to see patients left out in the cold, ripped off, and left out of pocket. The financial losses some patients might now incur are inexcusable, and it's a stark reminder of the consequences when companies prioritize profits over the wellbeing of those they serve."
