Georgia Board of Dentistry Discusses Oversight Related to Teledentistry Law
At their meeting on January 9, 2026, the Georgia Board of Dentistry discussed implementing Georgia’s new teledentistry law. Following the short discussion, the Board chose to review a notification form and to form a committee to evaluate possible rules related to teledentistry. The committee would aim to develop rule language within 90 days of the meeting.
Why a Notification Form?
Under Georgia’s new law (O.C.G.A. § 43-11-54) certain patient protections were put in place. The law requires that dentists practicing teledentistry in the state be licensed by and in good standing with the Board. The law also requires that dentists notify the Board of their intent to practice teledentistry and to provide certain information.
(c) A licensed dentist who intends to provide dental care through teledentistry pursuant to this Code section shall notify the board of such intent and provide written documentation evidencing that such dentist has:
(1) A physical office for the provision of dental services in this state; and
(2) Established a referral relationship with a referred dentist who practices dentistry and treats patients in a physical and operational dental office located in this state.
Such dentist shall provide other reasonably pertinent information as prescribed by the board.
The Board’s January discussion focused on standardizing this notification process and establishing a registry of dentists who have notified the Board of their intent to practice teledentistry.
What Else Will the Board Address?
One major focus will be ensuring that dentists have clear guidance on adequate compliance with respect to managing patients’ protected health information. The new law requires dentists to comply with the privacy and security requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Teledentistry adds a new set of privacy considerations for providers to take into account. For example, they must aim to ensure that the space from which they deliver care is private enough to limit incidental disclosures of protected health information.
The HIPAA security rule applies to all electronic health information transmitted by, or maintained in, electronic media. Technologies that require compliance with the security rule include communication apps on smartphones and computers, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies, any tool that records or transcribes a session, and messaging services that electronically store information. HIPAA’s requirements prompt questions that may guide technology choices: What is the likelihood a transmission could be intercepted, does the technology support encrypted transmission, could stored information be accessed by a third party, is authentication required to access the app where information is stored, and does the app terminate the session or lock after a period of inactivity?
Resources for the Aspiring Teledentistry Provider
- ADA Technical Report Number 1112 Teledentistry
- D9995 and D9996 – Guide to Understanding and Documenting Teledentistry Events
- Health Industry Cybersecurity – Securing Telehealth and Telemedicine
- Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule: A Cybersecurity Resource Guide
- Guidance on How the HIPAA Rules Permit Covered Health Care Providers and Health Plans to Use Remote Communication Technologies for Audio-Only Telehealth
- Resource for Health Care Providers on Educating Patients about Privacy and Security Risks to Protected Health Information when Using Remote Communication Technologies for Telehealth
Stay Up to Date and Involved
As news related to teledentistry develops, GDA will publish additional articles and resources. To be a part of the conversation in Georgia, join GDA’s advocacy efforts. Every year, GDA’s contact dentists help local legislators understand how policies being considered under the Gold Dome impact dentistry. Advocacy happens at the Capitol, and it happens right in every dentist’s back yard. Don’t forget to sign up for LAW Day 2026 and attend the 2026 legislative reception in a district near you this fall.
