South Carolina became the 9th state to require an in-person examination prior to orthodontic treatment on May 19, as Governor Henry McMaster signed into law AAO-supported teledentistry legislation, Senate Bill 453 sponsored by state Senator Danny Verdin. South Carolina follows Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Utah, Georgia, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas in taking this step to protect patients.
“This is a tremendous win for patient health and safety in South Carolina!” said AAO Vice President of Advocacy Nathan Mick. “State lawmakers frequently look to counterparts in other states when shaping policy. Progress in South Carolina can help inspire additional states to follow suit. We will continue working with and supporting the South Carolina Board of Dentistry as it considers any rules and implementation guidance associated with the new law.”
Grassroots Activity by AAO Members Key to Positive Outcome
The South Carolina win follows extended effort over the last 6 years by the AAO, the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists, and members in South Carolina, working closely with the South Carolina Dental Association to advance this important legislation.
In February, we reported that the South Carolina Senate voted 44-0 in support of a teledentistry bill requiring that a licensed dental professional conduct an in-person examination and review of current radiographic records before initiating any orthodontic treatment. The bill then went to the South Carolina House of Representatives. After favorable votes in one subcommittee and then the full Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee (3M) committee, the bill went to the full South Carolina House of Representatives where it passed 110-2 on May 12.
Many thanks to all of the AAO/SCAO orthodontists who shared their grassroots advocacy voices in support of this important patient safety legislation through calls, e-mails, meetings, testimony, and ongoing engagement throughout the legislative process.
Special thanks to many AAO Advocacy leaders at the national level and in South Carolina through the years who have helped advance thise legislation through grassroots advocacy, including Drs. Mark McGinnis (Component Advocacy Liaison in the AAO National Advocacy Network, Elizabeth Eakes (AAOPAC Captain in the National Advocacy Network) Eric Nease Alex Thomas, Britt Reagin, Timothy Tremont, Sims Tompkins and AAOPAC Chair Dr. Edward Davis. The AAO also thanks the South Carolina Dental Association including Dr. Thomas Edmonds, Phil Latham and Annie Wilson).
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!
