The AAO has prioritized legislative advocacy in Illinois and other states for many years to ensure patients are protected when using teledentistry. That persistent work through AAO member grassroots advocacy is resulting in new protections for patient health and safety.

On Friday, August 9, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2586, relating to teledentistry, into law. The legislation, sponsored by Illinois Senate Pro Tempore Bill Cunningham and Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller on the House side, is good for Illinois and makes substantial advances for patient health and safety in the state.

This legislation includes:

  • An in-person examination requirement before providing teledentistry services
  • A requirement that a patient knows how to contact their treating dentist/orthodontist; and
  • A guarantee of patients’ rights to file complaints

During this multi-year effort going back to 2019, the AAO Advocacy team, the Illinois Society of Orthodontists (ISO), the Illinois State Dental Society (ISSO), and AAO’s local lobbying team Phelps Barry & Associates (now Fulcrum Government Strategies), with support from the AAO Component Legal Support Fund, have worked to increase patient protection in Illinois.

AAO advocacy points included a requirement for an in-person exam and a review of patient records prior to orthodontic treatment. The AAO will continue to advocate for policies that are in the best interest of patient health and safety. There is still work to be done to ensure implementation of this new law includes important patient protections.

Thank you to all Illinois members whose grassroots advocacy actions made a difference in getting this bill signed into law, including the following AAO/ISO members: Dr. Michael Durbin, Dr. Randall Markarian, Dr. Ben Youel, Dr. Spencer Pope, Dr. Lee Graber and Dr. Lauren Pass. We also recognize and thank the over 175 AAO members in Illinois who engaged in grassroots advocacy throughout this legislative session in particular (and in previous years) for their continued efforts on this important advocacy initiative.

This new teledentistry law in Illinois is effective immediately, including a requirement that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation adopt rules to provide for the sale and manufacturing of clear aligners to patients in the State of Illinois. The AAO and ISO will remain engaged to make sure patient health and safety remain the priority focus throughout the rulemaking process in Illinois.

Going Forward: AAO Efforts and Your Support Will Be Key in Illinois and Beyond
In coming months, the AAO Advocacy team members and AAO Council on Government Advocacy (COGA), Board of Trustees, the award-winning AAO National Advocacy Network (NAN), and other volunteer leader advocates will continue to work with component and constituent organization leaders across the country on AAO policy priorities – teledentistry and beyond – in preparation for the 2025 legislative sessions. Together, we will help grow the AAO brand with lawmakers and their staffs, while also ensuring that the orthodontic specialty has a seat at the table to help shape and influence policy moving through the legislative process in state sessions across the country.

If you are interested in becoming part of the National Advocacy Network and making a difference in your state, please text “NAN” to 52886 now or contact AAO Grassroots and Digital Advocacy Specialist, Kim VanVeen at [email protected].

As we continue advocacy work in the states, please help support AAO Advocacy priorities by making your gift celebrating the 30th Anniversary of AAOPAC in 2024.  It only takes a few minutes to complete your contribution now at AAOPAC.org, using your e-mail address associated with your AAO membership.

AAOPAC is helping to fuel our advocacy success not only in Washington, D.C. but in states throughout the country as well. Our AAOPAC Pillars of Giving are working and the AAO’s advocacy influence continues to grow through AAO member grassroots engagement.  Your grassroots voice and AAOPAC support make all the difference!