Rep. Brian Babin, DDS, R-Texas, recently introduced the Oversight of Responsible Teledentistry for Healthy Outcomes Act, which would require patients to receive an in-person dental examination before most orthodontic treatment can be initiated through teledentistry.
HR 9829 also requires an in-person confirmation and X-ray review before orthodontic treatment begins. It allows exceptions for emergencies, public health programs and initial orthodontic screenings. Enforcement would be carried out by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, according to a July 23 news release.
The bill, which is supported by the American Association of Orthodontists, comes after several states have enacted or advanced similar in-person exam requirements for teledentistry orthodontic treatment in recent years.
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