In July 2023, the AAO reported that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed into law AB 147, Nevada’s “modernization of dentistry” bill that included AAO teledentistry language, thanks to grassroots engagement and policy influence by the AAO advocacy team, AAO members, and the Nevada State Orthodontic Society (NSOS).
Nevada was the first of what are now eight states to pass laws requiring an in-person exam by a licensed dentist before the start of orthodontic treatment.
The legislation also directed the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners (NSBDE) to create regulations to implement the law. By 2024, the NSBDE and its rulemaking committee had begun holding meetings to gather input from all stakeholders, as its process of drafting regulations for proposal and public comment got underway.
“The legislative victory is only part of the equation,” says AAO Vice President of Advocacy Nathan Mick. “The rulemaking process that follows can narrow or soften statutory language, sometimes in ways that undercut the original intent. “Our AAO Advocacy staff and member advocacy leaders worked intensively over the past two years on the rules language to prevent any negative outcomes relating to the teledentistry law in Nevada. They prepared for, attended and participated in public hearings, drafted and submitted public comments, working diligently throughout the process to ensure patient health and safety remained at the forefront of any conversations and regulatory language being considered by the NSBDE.”
In November 2025, AAO Staff Counsel Dan Ta identified revised language in a draft of the regulation that would have created ambiguity around the statutory in-person safeguard for orthodontic appliances and opened the door to potential circumvention. Recognizing the significance of that change, he worked with the AAO Advocacy team to activate Nevada members of the AAO National Advocacy Network for targeted grassroots outreach.
Mr. Ta also engaged directly with the NSBDE Executive Director and General Counsel to address concerns. Those coordinated efforts resulted in the dental board tabling the vote last fall to allow additional time for review and refinement of the draft language that ultimately gained AAO’s support.
Working with Board leadership in the months that followed, Mr. Ta secured revisions that aligned the regulation with the original teledentistry statute as passed by the legislature, NRS 631.34583(1)(c) — clearly preserving the in-person confirmation requirement before a patient begins using an orthodontic appliance while maintaining appropriate flexibility for teledentistry consultation and emergent care.
On Wednesday, February 25, the NSBDE voted on a final draft of its teledentistry rule. Mr. Ta monitored the vote and reported:
“I’m very pleased to share that the Nevada Dental Board voted to move forward with the adoption of the teledentistry rule this evening. This marks the culmination of years of work, numerous revisions, and sustained engagement with the Board. Importantly, the final version preserves the statutory requirement that the determination of the need for an orthodontic appliance be confirmed through an in-person visit before a patient begins using the appliance, while allowing appropriate use of teledentistry for consultation, limited diagnosis, and emergent care. The orthodontic safeguards we worked to protect remain intact. This is a big win for our members and for patients in Nevada!”
The AAO thanks Nevada members who worked with the Nevada State Orthodontic Society to secure passage of the original bill and those who also participated in the dental board process: Dr. John Griffiths, AAOPAC Board member (PCSO representative), Dr. Mark Handelin, Dr. Frank Belgin (AAO National Advocacy Network Component Advocacy Liaison from Nevada and past Council on Government Advocacy Chair); and Dr. Michelle Hsiao (ADA & Dental Specialty State Liaison for the Nevada NAN).
The regulation will now proceed through the remaining administrative process in Nevada, undergoing review to confirm the process complied with mandated administrative procedures. Once approved and filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, the regulation will become effective immediately, unless a later effective date is specified.
If you are interested in advancing similar protections in your state, get involved with the AAO National Advocacy Network. And as the AAO continues advancing policy priorities in Washington, D.C. and across the states, consider supporting advocacy efforts by making a contribution at AAOPAC.org (using the email address associated with your AAO membership). Your voice and grassroots engagement make a difference!
