The legislation, set to go into effect Jan. 1, is designed to increase access to dental care in remote or underserved areas in the state. The bill also expands the types of procedures dental hygienists can perform under the supervision of a dentist.
Through teledentistry, patients will consult with dentists and dental hygienists remotely and share records online. Patients requiring in-person care will be referred on as-needed basis, according to the report.
Initially, the new legislation is expected to only increase Medi-Cal costs by $500,000 a year, but if teledentistry is a success that number could grow.
Other states, such as Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and West Virginia, have expressed interest in teledentistry, but have not progressed as far as California.
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