When Is A Robocall Not A Robocall?: WebDentistry: Home of SmileFinder!
Summary
The ADA asks FCC for guidance to ensure patients receive dental reminder callsBy Jennifer Garvin— The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the Federal Communications Commission’s mission to eliminate illegal robocalls but is concerned that new guidance on call-blocking could inadvertently cause consumers to miss out on important calls from their dentists and other health care providers. The FCC on June 6 approved a declaratory ruling to affirm that voice service providers can protect consumers from unwanted robocalls by allowing them to proactively “block unwanted calls based on reasonable call analytics as long as their customers are informed and have the opportunity to opt out of the blocking,” according to an agency news release. The ruling also said that providers may offer their customers the choice to opt-in to tools that block calls from any number that does not appear on their contact list or other so-called “white lists.” In a June 28 letter to FCC Chair Ajit Pai, ADA President Jeffrey M. Cole and Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin praised the agency for its attention to robocalls but said ADA member dentists believe calls from dental offices — including automated calls and voice messages — promote oral health by reminding patients to schedule teeth cleaning and other services. The ADA also said that the ruling is contrary to Congress’ longstanding intent that the FCC work to block only illegal calls and not those from legitimate businesses. If a dental office has 30 patients scheduled for a particular day, and calls them to remind them about their upcoming appointment, is that considered a large burst?” asked Drs.