THE EDITOR'S CORNER

Among the ways in which orthodontists can preserve the specialty of orthodontics, the profession of dentistry, and the free enterprise entrepreneurial practice system is to attempt to influence legislation that is favorable to those ends and to oppose legislation that is unfavorable to those ends. An opportunity to do this is at hand, and orthodontists would be well advised to take advantage of it.

Recognizing the seeming inability of the Federal Trade Commission to distinguish between a profession and a trade, Representative Walter Flowers of Alabama has introduced legislation (HR 13304) to exempt associations of health professionals from certain provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act and the antitrust laws, on the grounds that they are already regulated by the states. The FTC has applied regulations suitable to trade and business equally to the professions. The result has been an attack upon professional organizations, including the ADA, for supposedly restricting competition. Merely replying to such charges is costly to a professional organization and, if the charges are sustained, they threaten to dismantle the professional prerogatives which have evolved over the years and which the public looks upon with favor.

Therefore, every orthodontist ought to write to his own congressmen, to other influential congressmen and to Representative Flowers to support the Flowers bill. Take the trouble to write today. It could be crucial to your future and the future of orthodontics.