SB210 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dan RobertsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the practice of dentistry; to amend Sections 34-9-1, 34-9-3, 34-9-6, 34-9-13, 34-9-15.1, and 34-9-18, Code of Alabama 1975, and to add Sections 34-9-6.2 and 34-9-19.2 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for the use of teledentistry orthodontia services in the state by licensed dentists; to provide certain requirements for advertisements featuring teledentistry; and to require the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama to adopt rules relating to teledentistry.

Summary

SB210 would regulate teledentistry orthodontia in Alabama, require in-person visits, set advertising disclosures, and assign rulemaking to the Board of Dental Examiners.

What This Bill Does

It creates a regulatory framework for teledentistry orthodontia, defining teledentistry and related technologies (synchronous and asynchronous). It requires an in-person exam before starting teledentistry and annual in-person visits, and limits certain teledentistry duties to scenarios that still meet traditional care standards. It mandates patient information disclosures, informed consent requirements, advertising disclaimers, and authorizes the Board of Dental Examiners to adopt rules to govern teledentistry practice and enforcement.

Who It Affects

• Licensed dentists and dental hygienists in Alabama must follow new teledentistry rules, supervision standards, and potential disciplinary actions.
• Patients in Alabama seeking or receiving teledentistry orthodontia services must have annual in-person visits, receive provider information, and be subject to advertising disclosures.

Key Provisions

• Adds new sections 34-9-6.2 and 34-9-19.2 to the Code to define teledentistry, synchronous and asynchronous technology, and related advertising rules; clarifies regulation of teledentistry across state lines.
• Defines teledentistry and establishes that teledentistry services may involve collaboration with licensed hygienists under dentist supervision, but hygienists or other providers may not perform tasks requiring in-person supervision.
• Requires that a dentist not use teledentistry for examinations if the standard of care requires a traditional physical examination; mandates in-person physical examination and radiograph review prior to orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Requires patients to receive identifying and contact information for the treating dentist, including name, phone number, address, and license number, before and during teledentistry services.
• Imposes advertising requirements for teledentistry with a conspicuous disclaimer stating that an in-person examination is recommended before beginning treatment for certain services.
• Gives the Board of Dental Examiners authority to adopt rules governing teledentistry, enforcement, supervision, documentation, and patient complaints, and establishes disciplinary options for violations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.