SmileDirectClub controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Investigations into treatment plans and disclosures
Investigative reporting, including a Canadian broadcast investigation, questioned whether some customers were approved for treatment despite orthodontists’ concerns about the proposed plans. Other reporting examined customer dissatisfaction, medical concerns, and the company’s use of nondisclosure provisions. SmileDirectClub disputed the criticism and announced process and training changes.
2020
Litigation against NBC News
SmileDirectClub filed a $2.8 billion defamation-related lawsuit against NBC News over reporting about patient complaints and alleged treatment complications. NBC stood by its reporting, and the case was dismissed in December 2021 under Tennessee’s anti-SLAPP statute.
2020
SmileDirectClub sues NBC Universal over coverage
Lawsuit filed
SmileDirectClub filed a lawsuit seeking approximately $2.8 billion from NBC Universal, alleging that reports about its teeth-straightening products contained defamatory statements. NBC News said it stood by its reporting and considered the claim meritless.
Company response
Denial — NBC News
"We stand by our reporting and believe this is a meritless claim," NBC News told The Wall Street Journal.
Source excerpt
Teeth-straightening startup SmileDirectClub filed a lawsuit Monday against NBC Universal Media for approximately $2.8 billion over news reports it says were defamatory, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
"We stand by our reporting and believe this is a meritless claim," NBC News told The Wall Street Journal.
2019
Orthodontic-board complaints and customer class action
The American Association of Orthodontists filed complaints with 36 state dental boards, alleging that SmileDirectClub’s model violated professional or regulatory standards. Customers also filed a proposed class action alleging false advertising and FDA-related violations. SmileDirectClub disputed the allegations, and arbitration provisions caused most plaintiffs to withdraw from the litigation.