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The note below was sent to me in response to an announcement I sent to parties who I considered to have an interest in the subject matter of paper. That note began: "Anticipate online submission to JADA Sunday 3pm. Thanking you..."

The basic intent of the letter was to obtain feedback on the content of the paper. One of the respondents commented on the following statement made in the paper: "Moreover, the American Association of Orthodontists sanctioned such "not-strictly-orthodontic" interventions beginning in 2004 by offering liability coverage for the first time for treatment of sleep apnea."

Keep in mind the definition of the verb "sanction":
1 : to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as ratification)
2 : to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to

Endorse: 2 a: to approve openly <endorse an idea> ; especially : to express support or approval of publicly and definitely

Many orthodontists choose their liability providers by virtue of the overt particulars written in their insurance policies. The AAOIC,  underwriters of insurance policies for orthodontist who are members of the AAO, act on the needs of the members of the AAO who are "investors" in the AAOIC. The voice of the AAO members on the subject of sleep apnea was heard by the AAOIC  who responded in 2004 by defining the conditions under which those who provided sleep apnea treatment modalities would be covered by the insurance underwritten by the AAOIC.

Dear Dr. Rothstein,
It is extremely important that you understand that AAOIC is a separate company from the AAO and has its own governing body that is elected by the shareholders, which are AAOIC insureds. The coverage of sleep apnea treatment is an AAOIC policy, not an AAO endorsement of such treatment. It is only a decision by the AAOIC board to extend professional liability coverage to its shareholders (policy holders). Your statement that this was an AAO sanction is false.  In addition, AAOIC’s policy is strictly related to the treatment of sleep apnea and does not extend to wiring the jaws together for weight loss purposes; and further is only relevant to AAOIC insureds.  All others should check with their insurance provider regarding coverage for sleep abnea.
Regards,