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Bill

HB 567

Professions and businesses; authorize and regulate teledentistry by licensed dentists

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debbie Buckner and 4 co-sponsors

Georgia law authorizes licensed dentists to offer teledentistry services remotely, establishing regulatory standards to ensure quality care and patient protection while expanding dental access.

Effective Date
0
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Bill Summary · HB 567

Legislative bill overview

HB 567 authorizes Georgia-licensed dentists to provide dental services through teledentistry (remote consultations and diagnoses) while establishing regulatory frameworks for this practice. The bill creates standards for virtual dental care delivery, patient consent requirements, and prescribing protocols to ensure quality and safety in remote dental practice.

Why is this important

Teledentistry expands access to dental care for rural and underserved populations who may lack nearby dental providers, while reducing wait times for initial consultations. The regulatory framework protects consumers by preventing unqualified practitioners from offering dental services remotely and establishing clear liability and licensure standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope limitations: Restrictions on which dental procedures can be performed remotely may create disputes over whether diagnoses alone justify teledentistry reimbursement or if in-person follow-up should be mandatory
  • Patient safety concerns: Critics may argue remote diagnosis increases misdiagnosis risk for complex dental conditions that require physical examination, particularly for emergency cases
  • Insurance and reimbursement: Unclear whether insurance plans will cover teledentistry services at parity with in-person visits, potentially creating access gaps for lower-income patients despite the technology's availability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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