The South Carolina Senate has voted 44-0 in support of a teledentistry bill (S.453) supported by the AAO, the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists (SCAO) and the South Carolina Dental Association.
The bill was introduced and sponsored by South Carolina Senator Danny Verdin, Chair of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee. The Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee considered the bill during an interim hearing in September 2025 and reported the bill out of committee favorably. The full Medical Affairs Committee approved the bill on February 5, clearing the way for a floor vote.
The bill requires that a licensed dental professional conduct an in-person examination and review of current radiographic records before initiating any orthodontic treatment.
View the Bill Passed by the State Senate (S453)
This effort builds on the foundation of the Telehealth and Telemedicine Modernization Act (H.4159) which became South Carolina law in March 2024.
The bill has been sent to the South Carolina House of Representatives and assigned to the House Medical, Military and Municipal Affairs Committee for consideration.
Many thanks to AAO National Advocacy Network South Carolina Component Advocacy Liaison Dr. Mark McInnis for his key clinical perspective testimony to the subcommittee last fall, and to Dr. Eric Nease (SAO President), Dr. Edward Davis (AAOPAC Chair), and Dr. Elizabeth Eakes (South Carolina AAOPAC Captain) for their past and continuing grassroots leadership on this issue.
In addition, many AAO and SCAO leaders and members in South Carolina have engaged over the last year by taking grassroots action to support advancement of this important teledentistry legislation. These efforts have national significance. Since 2023, eight states have enacted similar laws aimed at protecting patient health and safety. State lawmakers frequently look to their counterparts in other states when shaping policy, and progress in South Carolina could help inspire additional states to follow suit. State lawmakers frequently look to their counterparts in other states when shaping policy.
The fact that neighboring states like Georgia and Florida have already passed AAO-supported teledentistry legislation with an in-person examination requirement helps strengthen the case for similar action in South Carolina.
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!
