Could Louisiana Be Next? Orthodontist Offers Free Gun with Treatment

Imagine going to get your teeth cleaned and then being offered a free gun. Honestly, I'm cool with getting a free toothbrush and dental floss but, a gun? That's a new one.

A North Carolina orthodontist, Dr. Jason Gladwell of Gladwell Orthodontics, has partnered with the Youngsville Gun Club and Range to offer an unconventional promotion: a free Glock 19 or a Silver membership at the gun club for select customers undergoing Invisalign treatment.

The fact that is promotion is taking place in Youngsville, North Carolina almost feels too good to be true. What are the odds that something so Louisiana is taking places states away in a city named the same as one of our cities here.

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Is that even Legal?

However, this intriguing partnership has raised legal and ethical eyebrows. Attorney Ron Shook highlighted the importance of ensuring the recipients of these firearms are legally permitted to possess them. He emphasized the need to prevent firearms from reaching individuals with criminal records, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or those underage for handgun ownership.

From a legal standpoint, Shook clarified that the transfer of firearms should adhere to regulations similar to other property transactions but with added vigilance due to the potential danger associated with guns.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the need for proper background checks and legal compliance in firearm transfers, either through licensed dealers or meticulous coordination between businesses and recipients.

The owner of the Youngsville Gun Club and Range, Kurt Lieberman, outlined the in-depth process customers must undergo to obtain the firearm, including on-site background checks, age verification, and filling out the necessary paperwork.

Must be on the gun club email list

Dr. Gladwell assured that the promotion was specifically targeted at individuals on the gun club's email list and was not open to everyone visiting the orthodontic office. Moreover, he highlighted their previous philanthropic endeavors, such as fundraising for cancer support, urging attention to their other charitable initiatives.

Even if it is technically legal, people are still concerned

Despite the seemingly legal procedures in place, the partnership between an orthodontist's office and a gun club has sparked criticism. Jennifer Copeland, the executive director of the NC Council of Churches, expressed deep concern regarding potential implications of distributing firearms through such promotions. She highlighted worries about possible gun violence and the responsibility associated with housing firearms in households.

Copeland emphasized the minimalistic gun laws in North Carolina and acknowledged the adherence to those laws in the promotion but remained apprehensive about the aftermath of providing guns to individuals' homes. The unexpected attention this promotion has garnered raises questions about the ethical considerations of tying healthcare services with gun distribution.

As Louisiana residents observe this peculiar scenario unfold in Youngsville, North Carolina, it raises the question: Could Louisiana be next in considering such unconventional promotional tie-ins between unrelated businesses, especially given the ironic connection between the names of the cities involved? Only time will tell if similar initiatives surface here in Louisiana.