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US: SCOTUS to hear dentists’ antitrust case

By  |  March 3, 2014

The Supreme Court of the United States decided Monday it will hear an appeal filed by the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners in a case initiated by the Federal Trade Commission, say reports.

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    The FTC accuses the dentist group of unfair competition as the Board acted to hold a monopoly over teeth whitening services, claiming only dentists can provide the service. An appeals court sided with the FTC’s findings.

    The Board, however, sued the FTC in 2011 on grounds that the authority overstepped its boundaries.

    One appeals judge had reportedly suggested that the Board would have had a stronger case if its members were appointed by government officials instead of other dentists.

    In question is what is known as state action antitrust immunity; the dentists had argued that the Board is exempt from federal antitrust laws.

    Reports say arguments will begin this fall.

    Full Content: CBS Local

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