Governor Brian Kemp recently signed House Bill 567, landmark legislation that expands access to oral health care services throughout the state through teledentistry. Championed by the Georgia Dental Association (GDA), the bill seeks to remove barriers to care while protecting consumers and maintaining quality of care.
“This is a step forward for oral health equity in our state,” said GDA President Dr. Amber Lawson. “Teledentistry allows us to reach patients wherever they are—whether they are in underserved communities, rural areas, those with limited mobility, or simply at home. We are honored to have played a leading role in the development and advancement of this legislation.”
As stated in this bill, teledentistry is not intended to replace in-person care. The new law authorizes Georgia licensed dental professionals to provide a range of services to Georgia patients through a secure online platform, including consultations, second opinions, triage, evaluations, and referrals.
The bill also establishes consumer protections to ensure patients receive the same standard of care as they would in a traditional dental office, including proper exams, x-rays, a comprehensive medical and dental history review, and in-person treatment when clinically necessary.
“Geography should not be a barrier to dental care,” said Kristen Morgan, executive director of the Georgia Dental Association. “Through this bill, we will leverage technology to close disparities in access to care and build a healthier future for all Georgia communities.”
The Georgia Dental Association worked with legislators, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Georgia Dental Board, and key industry partners and associations to craft legislation that embraces innovation while maintaining patient safety.
The law will take effect on January 1, 2026, and public and private partners are expected to support implementation.
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