Georgia Teledentistry Law: Requirements for Dentists

Georgia Teledentistry Compliance – What Dentists Need to Know

In May 2025, the Georgia Legislature passed House Bill 567, a landmark piece of legislation that authorizes and regulates teledentistry by licensed dentists in the State of Georgia. The bill was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp and is slated to take effect January 1, 2026.

What the New Law Does

Under HB 567, licensed dentists in Georgia can provide dental care and consultations through teledentistry technologies, including synchronous, real‑time communication and supporting store‑and‑forward technologies when the patient is physically located in Georgia. The law explicitly allows dentists to:

• Conduct consultations, triage, evaluations, second opinions, and referrals using secure telehealth tools.

• Maintain high standards of care in remote settings, with documentation and recordkeeping requirements at least as thorough as in face‑to‑face care.

• Have teledentistry services recognized by dental benefit plans, which may cover teledentistry without discrimination compared to traditional in‑person care.

The statute defines teledentistry within the Official Code of Georgia Annotated as the delivery of dental services using real‑time communication technologies when the provider and patient are in different physical locations.

Professional Standards and Practice Requirements

Although the law now authorizes the use of teledentistry, it is not intended to replace in‑person care where that care is clinically necessary. The legislation and associated guidance emphasize that:

• Dentists must continue to meet the same standards of care expected in traditional clinical settings.

• Dentists must take appropriate histories and examinations and comply with clinical protocols when required.

• Certain procedures (for example, orthodontic treatments that require direct intervention) may still require in‑person clinical examinations as a prerequisite.

Why This Matters for Your Practice

The passage of HB 567 reflects a significant update to Georgia’s dental practice framework. Prior to this law, the Georgia Board of Dentistry’s COVID‑era telehealth authorization had expired, and there was no general authorization for telehealth dentistry under standard state dental practice rules.

The new law provides clarity and a regulated pathway for dentists who want to incorporate teledentistry into their practice. It also paves the way for broader insurance acceptance of teledentistry services, which can help practices expand access to care while maintaining compliance with professional standards.

Informed Consent and Documentation

As with all forms of dental care, obtaining informed consent and maintaining appropriate documentation is essential. Many telehealth laws (including the telemedicine frameworks underlying Georgia’s teledentistry provisions) require providers to inform patients about the nature and limitations of telehealth interactions and include that information in the patient record.