The direct-to-office model gives consumers a third option, in addition to the company’s SmileShops and doctor-prescribed impression kits.

SmileDirectClub has partnered with Texas-based dental service organization DECA Dental and its more than 100 affiliated dental practices to give more consumers the option to begin SmileDirectClub treatment in the dentist chair. The partnership with DECA Dental advances the SmileDirectClub Partner Network, the company’s direct-to-office model that allows consumers a third option, in addition to the company’s SmileShops and doctor-prescribed impression kits, to begin clear aligner treatment using SmileDirectClub’s telehealth platform.

“Our partnership with DECA Dental is a win for consumers in Texas as it will offer them many new locations throughout the State to access SmileDirectClub clear aligner treatment,” said David Katzman, chief executive officer and chairman at SmileDirectClub. “SmileDirectClub continues to focus on partnering with the dental community to increase access to innovative oral care, and we’re pleased to join with DECA Dental in this effort. Our growing Partner Network, now extended to more than 600 dental practices across the U.S., gives consumers yet another choice on how they can get started on their teledentistry journey, and access a more cost effective, efficacious and safe premium teeth straightening solution.”

“DECA Dental and our world-class team of dentists and orthodontists are proud to partner with SmileDirectClub to increase access to affordable teeth-straightening options across the state of Texas,” said Sulman Ahmed, DMD, founder and chief executive officer of DECA Dental. “As a clinician-founded and led organization, it is fundamental to DECA Dental’s core belief that all clinical decisions should be made by a dental practitioner and that dental professionals should have full autonomy in deciding the best treatment options for their patients. Our partnership with SmileDirectClub is directly related to our goal as a company: to embrace innovative clinical systems that empower our dental practices to operate efficiently while providing the highest quality oral care to our patients.”