Did you know that federal law requires that you know where all clothing is made, but not dental fixtures like crowns, bridges, implants, retainers, or dentures? I thought this was crazy, so I met with dentists and dental labs to change that. You deserve to know where something was made that is being permanently implanted in your body.

If you have questions about your clothing, all you have to do is check the label to learn its fiber content, country of origin, and care instructions.  After my law is approved, it should be almost as easy for patients in Erie County to learn the same about their dental devices.

This issue started when Andy Jakson of Evolution Dental, a local dental lab, spoke at a Legislature committee meeting and mentioned that there are no local, state or federal disclosure requirements for what is used to make a dental device. I followed up on the issue and while researching, I was shocked to learn that some labs in China (whose products are available in the USA) aren't using FDA approved materials. Some even use lead to make their products. This is not acceptable. I want to thank Mr. Jakson for bringing this issue to my attention and also for sharing his expertise. As he stated, this legislation will move the dental industry into the 21st century.

On July 10, I submitted my proposed law requiring the disclosure of the country of origin for raw materials and manufacturing of dental devices. Since unveiling this proposed law, I have received tremendous support from elected officials, residents, dentists and dental laboratories. This is a common sense law that should not only be approved locally, but also on the state and national levels. This is about patient protection and their right to know.

In practice, the law will apply both to those operating in Erie County who manufacture dental prosthetic devices as well as dentists and others who handle their final placement and implantation. Disclosure simply protects patient’s health.

During this process I was honored to work alongside several highly respected professionals from the dental industry, including Dr. Ronald Jarvis, DDS, MSD who stated, “Legislator Lorigo’s law is the right thing to do for the dental community. Revealing the source of where the prosthetic was manufactured will go a long way for the welfare of all dental patients in Erie County.” I have also heard from lab technicians around the USA who have worked their entire careers to see a law like this implemented. I don’t understand why it has taken this long to happen, but I am glad to help lead the way to see that it does.

I sincerely hope that my colleagues will support this common sense legislation so that we can start a groundswell across the country.  People have a right to know where dental devices are coming from before having them implanted into their mouth.

 If you have any comments on this law or another county issue, please contact my office at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.