We have two reports now where Clear Choice Dental Implants Centers appear to be using intimidation to silence complaints. This information was received from Dr. Arthur Chal in Phoenix and Dr. William Cohen in Chicago in early September.
These dentists had received patient complaints about Clear Choice and had posted those on their websites, along with responses to those complaints. Subsequently, they received threatening letters from attorneys representing Clear Choice alleging trademark infringement.
I believe that Clear Choice and their attorneys know full well that such claims of trademark infringement are bogus. Trademark law specifically allows for the use of a competitor’s trademark in comparative advertising or for the purposes of news commentary or criticism. I also believe they know that many dentists will simply agree to their illegal demands to avoid a possible legal battle, and that this will silence criticism.
I am very disappointed in this action by Clear Choice Dental Implants Centers. When I first heard of their operation, my opinion was that they probably operated high quality treatment facilities backed by a strong marketing program. Reports I have been hearing recently, however, are giving me the impression that they have some questionable ethics. We have this legal bullying tactic, which I associate with enterprises that feel they can’t stand reasonable scrutiny. I have also heard a couple of unsettling reports of patients being pressured into tooth extraction or expensive dental implants treatment when there are other options that would be better for the patient.
Accordingly, I have posted a form for Clear Choice complaints. If you have had a bad experience at a Clear Choice Dental Implants Center, please let us hear from you.
I’ll post more on this later and on regular pages of our website in the dental implants section.
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About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.