In 2023 Nevada became the first state to require an in-person examination prior to orthodontic treatment. Since then, AAO Advocacy efforts for patient health and safety have continued and in-person examination requirements are required in Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Utah and now West Virginia.
West Virginia’s teledentistry bill SB710 requires the in-person examination by an orthodontist or dentist licensed in West Virginia and a radiograph requirement as well. In addition, SB710 includes informed consent requirements along with teledentistry advertising patient protections.
West Virginia SB710 was signed into law by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey on Thursday, April 24, 2025. This patient health and safety success is a result of the combined efforts of AAO Advocacy and AAO member grassroots engagement, with thanks to all members in West Virginia who engaged in grassroots actions to support the bill through the legislative process. Financial support from the AAO Component Legal Support Fund was also key as was the AAO’s work in partnership with the West Virginia Dental Association (WVDA).
SB710 was introduced on Wednesday, March 5, and was quickly heard in the West Virginia Senate Health and Human Services Committee during the Dental Day at the Capitol, a lobby day co-hosted by the AAO with the West Virginia Association of Orthodontists and the West Virginia Dental Association.
AAO member Dr. Dan Joseph was in Charleston to testify before the Senate Committee followed by a unanimous vote in favor of the bill. The bill was then passed out of the Senate Finance Committee followed by unanimous passage on the Senate floor before moving to the West Virginia House.
After passing favorably out of the West Virginia House Health and Human Resources Committee, including testimony again by Dr. Joseph, the bill then passed on the House Floor with a vote of 93-2. After the House made minor technical amendments to the bill, it was returned to the West Virginia Senate for concurrence before being sent to the Governor for approval.
“The success of this effort was driven by the dedication of our National Advocacy Network and the grassroots actions of West Virginia AAO members,” said AAO Vice President of Advocacy Nathan Mick. “This was truly a team victory! Dr. Dan Joseph exemplified that commitment – traveling 190 miles from Wheeling to Charleston, overnight bag in hand, ready to testify on SB710 and engage directly with key lawmakers. His determination ensured legislators clearly understood the critical importance of this patient protection bill. It is this kind of volunteer leadership – along with our National Advocacy Network and a strong presence of AAO members at our first-ever joint AAO/WVAO/WDA Dental Day – that makes a real impact and drives meaningful change for patient health and safety.”
Special thanks to Lead Sponsors of the bill, Senator Laura Wakim Chapman and House Delegate Joe Funkhouser; West Virginia Association of Orthodontists President and National Advocacy Network Component Advocacy Liaison, Dr. Lance Pittman; West Virginia State Legislative Captain, Dr. Dan Joseph; West Virginia AAOPAC Captain, Dr. Amy Smith; West Virginia Resident Champion Dr. Jenna Schneider; and the team from Capitol Resources (AAO’s West Virginia in-state counsel), Conrad Lucas, Jordan Burgess, and Patrick Luikart.
Why these state advocacy efforts matter nationally: State lawmakers often look closely at laws in other states when deciding on legislation or policy matters in their own state. The progress made in West Virginia will have a positive influence on states considering this topic across the country. Interested in helping us advocate for similar legislation in your state? Get involved with the National Advocacy Network.
As the AAO focuses on advancing our policy priorities in Washington, D.C. and throughout the states, please help support AAO Advocacy priorities now by making your gift celebrating 125 years of AAO in 2025 before May 31. It only takes a few minutes to complete your contribution now at AAOPAC.org, using your e-mail address associated with your AAO membership.
Our AAOPAC Pillars of Giving are working and the AAO’s bipartisan advocacy influence continues to grow through member grassroots engagement. Your grassroots voice and AAOPAC support make all the difference!
