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Teledentistry & What it means in My state

Starting points for your exploration of how to use teledentistry By State.

While Telehealth and Telemedicine have been around for some time now, the Dental Industry has been slow to integrate and practice this concept. Each and every state has its own governing board for Dentistry, and some States like California have their own governing board for Hygienists. Staying up to date on all the different regulations can be a challenge as they seem to be in a constant state of flux these days.

Interested in seeing which states allow teledentistry? General Information pertaining to that state along with a link to the state's Board of Dentistry as well as any other Board that has Governance over the Dental Industry in that state will appear directly below. Any Dentist or Hygienist that wishes to practice their profession should become familiar with each state’s laws, rules and regulations pertaining to Teledentistry and their profession. Please be aware that in addition to reviewing and being knowledgeable of the regulations in your state, understanding your state’s Payment Parity is important to be aware of as well. What Is a Payment Parity Law? Make sure that you understand the Payment Parity laws in your state which may or may not be addressed by your state governing boards, business, and professions code.

Alabama (AL)

Teledentistry is allowed. Though there is no definition for Teledentistry on the state code it is allowed without any restrictions. As stated in the board code as long as the Dentist or Dental Hygienist has passed the exam they are allowed to practice Teledentistry.

Alaska (AK)

There are no regulations for this state. The state of Alaska defines the term Telemedicine “as the means to deliver health care services through audio, visual, and data communications but there is no specific definition for Teledentistry”.

Arizona (AZ)

For Arizona, there are extensive Teledentistry regulations. The state defines Telehealth “as an interactive way to get connected via audio or video media. As of May 2018, the Arizona Legislature has approved dental therapy”. All services may be performed, this includes the application of fluorides or therapeutic agents and more as long they are under the general supervision of the Expanded Function Dental Assistants.

Arkansas (AR)

In the state of Arkansas, there are no regulations for Teledentistry. The state defines Telemedicine “as the use of electronic media and communication to deliver healthcare services”. In the state of Arkansas, teledentistry makes it so it is easy and hassle-free for Dental Hygeinists to connect patients with a dentist for an exam or referral as well as getting supervision.

California (CA)

Teledentistry is allowed. Must be licensed health care practitioner under Division 2. Providing services via telehealth shall be subject to the requirements and definitions of the practice act relating to his or her licensed profession and to the regulations adopted by a board pursuant to that practice act.

Colorado (CO)

In the state of Colorado, there are no regulations for Teledentistry. The state defines Telehealth as a mode of delivery for healthcare services through audio or video media to help Dentists and Dental Hygienists with their practice and to help assist the patient through those means. In Colorado, dental hygienists have the capability to place interim therapeutic agents in a dental office setting under direct supervision from a dentist or through supervision from a telehealth supervisor. A dentist is allowed to supervise up to 5 dental hygienists under telehealth supervision and the dentist is also required to diagnose and give prior instruction before the procedure.

Connecticut (CT)

In the state of Connecticut, there are no regulations for Teledentistry. The state defines Telehealth as a mode of delivery for healthcare services through audio or video media to help Dentists and Dental Hygienists with their practice and to help assist the patient through those means. In Connecticut, dental hygienists who practice off-site can provide patients with an examination by a dentist, also they can receive direct reimbursement by third-party payers. They can also use teledentistry to connect instantly with a dentist.

Delaware (DE)

There are limited regulations for Teledentistry in the state of Delaware, this is one of the few states that discuss telemedicine and telehealth within dental statutes. Dental hygienists are permitted to provide their services under general supervision on off-site locations such as schools, federally qualified health centers and, within their dental practice.

Florida (FL)

In the state of Florida, there are no regulations for Teledentistry. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. In Florida, Teledentistry makes it so it is easy and hassle-free for Dental Hygienists to connect patients with a dentist for an exam or referral.

Georgia (GA)

There are limited regulations for Teledentistry in the state of Georgia. The state defines Telehealth as the use of audio or video media to provide health-related services and the application of therapeutic and evaluative services. In Georgia, Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Hawaii (HI)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as a mode of delivery for healthcare services through audio or video media to help Dentists and Dental Hygienists with their practice and to help assist the patient through those means. In Hawaii, Teledentistry is able to help Dental Hygienists with providing their patients an examination supervised by a dentist.

Idaho (ID)

Teledentistry is allowed. A provider offering telehealth services must at all times act within the scope of the provider’s license and according to all applicable laws and rules, including, but not limited to, this chapter and the community standard of care.

Illinois (IL)

In Illinois, Pursuant to the Dental Practice Act, "Teledentistry" means the use of telehealth systems and methodologies in dentistry and includes patient care and education delivery using synchronous and asynchronous communications under a dentist's authority as provided under this Act. There is not much in terms of guidelines or guidance related to teledentistry in Illinois yet, but with that being said, any practice of dentistry must be done with the highest standard of care in mind. Generally, telehealth is only used as an extension of regular, in-person patient care with a previously established doctor/patient relationship in order to maintain a high standard of care. Additionally, there are no emergency telehealth guidelines in the Act or Rules.

Indiana (IN)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Iowa. The state defines Telehealth as an interactive way to get connected via audio or video media between a provider and a patient in two different locations. Dental hygienists may provide services such as assessments, educational services, and screenings without the presence or authorization of a dentist. Qualified dental hygienists and dental assistants are able to provide services in offsite locations without the presence of a dentist as long as they are under Public Health Supervision.

Iowa (IA)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Iowa. The state defines Telehealth as an interactive way to get connected via audio or video media between a provider and a patient in two different locations. Dental hygienists may provide services such as assessments, educational services, and screenings without the presence or authorization of a dentist. Qualified dental hygienists and dental assistants are able to provide services in offsite locations without the presence of a dentist as long as they are under Public Health Supervision.

Iowa (IA)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Iowa. The state defines Telehealth as an interactive way to get connected via audio or video media between a provider and a patient in two different locations. Dental hygienists may provide services such as assessments, educational services, and screenings without the presence or authorization of a dentist. Qualified dental hygienists and dental assistants are able to provide services in offsite locations without the presence of a dentist as long as they are under Public Health Supervision.

Kansas (KS)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as a mode of delivery for healthcare services through audio or video media to help Dentists and Dental Hygienists with their practice and to help assist the patient through those means. . For Dental Hygienists that have extended care permits, teledentistry is able to help them connect patients to a dentist for Examination or get supervision if needed.

Kentucky (KY)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Kentucky. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. For Dental hygienists practicing in this state, Teledentistry gives them easy access to patients when they provide services under supervision without the presence of a Dentist.

Louisiana (LA)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as an interactive way to get connected via audio or video media with patients at a different location. Dental Hygienists can use Teledentistry to help them get connected in off-site locations with a dentist for the general supervision and if needed to give examinations.

Maine (ME)

There are limited regulations for Teledentistry in the state of Maine. The state defines Telemedicine as the means to practice medicine or the provision of health services using audio or video media. Dental Hygienists are able to independently practice without a dentist present. With Teledentistry the referral loop between an independent hygienist and a referred dentist is significantly easier. With Teledentistry the requirements to have a relationship for a Public Health Dental Hygienist with a dentist are all satisfied.

Maryland (MD)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. In Maryland, dental hygienists can use teledentistry to help them get connected while practicing on offsite locations with a dentist for supervision or for an examination.

Massachusetts (MA)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. With the help of Teledentistry, dental hygienists who are practicing offsite can get instant access to a dentist. The state has also introduced a new hygiene-based therapy model.

Michigan (MI)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of electronic media such as video or audio to support and promote health care services to public health. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Minnesota (MN)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telemedicine as the delivery of health care and consultation while the patient is in another location than the dentist through electronic media. In this state, both Dental Hygienists and assistants are able to provide services in the dental office without the supervision of an onsite dentist. Dental therapists, hygienists, and assistants are allowed to provide services in non-traditional locations or offsite as long as there is a written agreement in place with a dentist.

Mississippi (MS)

Teledentistry is not allowed in this state.

Missouri (MO)

The Missouri Dental Board does not have any rules regarding Teledentistry. The only requirement is that if you are treating Missouri residents you will have to have a Missouri dental license.

Montana (MT)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. For Dental Hygienists teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Nebraska (NE)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. Dental hygienists can use teledentistry to help them get connected while practicing on offsite locations with a dentist for supervision or for an examination.

Nevada (NV)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telemedicine as the delivery of health care and consultation while the patient is in another location than the dentist through electronic media. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

New Hampshire (NH)

Teledentistry is allowed. As stated in Emergency Order by the Governor, temporary expansion of access to Telehealth services is allowed to help protect the public and health care providers. Persons licensed by the board shall be permitted to provide services through the use of telemedicine. "Telemedicine" means the use of audio, video, or other electronic media for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

New Jersey (NJ)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of electronic media such as video or audio to support and promote health care services to public health. With the help of Teledentistry, dental hygienists who are practicing offsite can get instant access to a dentist. The state has also introduced a new hygiene-based therapy model.

New Mexico (NM)

There are limited regulations for Teledentistry in the state of New Mexico. The state defines Telehealth as the use of electronic media through video or audio to give patients electronic information, imaging, and communication to the patent. In New Mexico, Teledentistry makes it so there is no supervision required for any dental hygienist in settings such as applying fluorides and remineralization agents in offsite locations.

New York (NY)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of New York. The state defines Telehealth as the use of electronic media such as video or audio to support and promote health care services to public health. Dental hygienists can use teledentistry to help them get connected while practicing in offsite locations with a dentist for supervision or for an examination.

North Carolina (NC)

There are no regulations for this state. It defines Telemedicine as the use of electronic media through audio or video between offsite and onsite locations to provide healthcare to patients. In North Carolina, dental hygienists can use teledentistry to help them get connected while practicing on offsite locations with a dentist for supervision or for an examination.

North Dakota (ND)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telemedicine as the use of electronic media such as video or audio to support and promote health care services to public health. Dental Hygienists and Assistants can provide limited services without the presence of a dentist as long as they are under general supervision.

Ohio (OH)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Ohio. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. For Dental hygienists practicing in this state, Teledentistry gives them easy access to patients when they provide services under the supervision of a Dentist. The legislation for Dental Therapy has also been introduced in this state. For Dentists and dental hygienists who want to utilize Oral, Heal Supervision permits they may use teledentistry to provide the required services required for clinical evaluation.

Oklahoma (OK)

There are no regulations for this state. It Telemedicine as the practice of healthcare services by means of real-time interactive video or audio conference call between a patient and a physician. In Oklahoma, Teledentistry is able to help Dental Hygienists with providing their patients an examination supervised by a dentist.

Oregon (OR)

There are no regulations for this state. It defines Telehealth as the means to provide healthcare services through electronic communications between two locations. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Pennsylvania (PA)

There are no regulations for this state. The state does not have a definition for Telemedicine or Telehealth as long as you are licensed you can practice it in the state. Dental Hygienists are able to provide services without prior authorization from a dentist in public health locations. Dental Hygienists are also permitted to work at off-site locations as long as there is a dentist that can supervise.

Rhode Island (RI)

In the state of Rhode Island, there are no regulations for Teledentistry. The state defines it as the general delivery of healthcare services where the exchange is not face-to-face. In the state of Rhode Island, teledentistry could help dental hygienists who practice off-site to connect with patients and also help them get connected instantly with a Dentist.

South Carolina (SC)

Teledentistry is not allowed in this state.

South Dakota (SD)

There are limited regulations for Teledentistry in the state of South Dakota. The state does have a definition for Teledentistry, it is defined as the practice of dental services within the dental statutes. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Tennessee (TN)

There are extensive regulations for Teledentistry in the state of Tennessee, this is one of the few states that is specific with the definition of Teledentistry in addition to the definition of Telemedicine/Telehealth. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Texas (TX)

As of June 2021, Teledentistry has been allowed within the state since it falls under Telemedicine. The state defines Telehealth as services that provide healthcare other than a telemedicine medical service, delivered by healthcare professionals.

Utah (UT)

Teledentistry is allowed. The state defines Telehealth services as the provision of services such as Clinical Care, Health Administration, and Home health through electronic media.

Vermont (VT)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient including Dental Services. Teledentistry is able to help connect Dental hygienists, Assistants, and Therapists with a dentist instantly. The hygienist who practices in this state can be directly reimbursed and write prescriptions for patients. The Dental Therapy Legislation has already been passed in this state.

Virginia (VA)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Virginia. The state defines Telemedicine as the means to provide services through electronic media such as Video or Audio conference calls. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Washington (WA)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Washington. The state defines Telemedicine as the delivery of services through audio or video media for the purpose of providing the patient with the service they need. The state also has "Audio Only" Telemedicine which is the delivery of health services but through audio-only media. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

West Virginia (WV)

There are no regulations for this state. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of the patient. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request for provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.

Wisconsin (WI)

There are extensive teledentistry regulations in the state of Washington. The state defines Telehealth as the means to provide healthcare through electronic media be it synchronous or asynchronous to deliver the service to the patient in a different location. Dental Hygienists practicing in Wisconsin can practice as an independent contractor in limited offsite locations without the authorization of a dentist. Dental Hygienists working in offsite settings can use Teledentistry to connect with a dentist to get provisions of clinical resources.

Wyoming (WY)

There are no regulations for this state. It defines Telehealth or Telemedicine. The state defines Telehealth as the use of Telecommunications through audio or video through synchronous or asynchronous services such as treatment, assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring of patients As of the year 2017, Wyoming has passed the legislation to allow professional boards to adopt the definition for telehealth or Telemedicine. Teledentistry makes it easy for Dental hygienists to get connected with a dentist to request provisions or supervision when they are going to practice offsite. The requirements for all those are met because of Teledentistry.