GA HB441

Authorizes and regulates teledentistry in Georgia, defined as the delivery of dental care through synchronous, real-time communication and store-and-forward technologies when the patient and authorizing dentist are at different locations within the state, effective January 1, 2025

Requires authorizing dentists to notify the Georgia Board of Dentistry of their intent to practice teledentistry and establish a written referral relationship with a referred dentist located within 50 miles of the teledentistry site for in-person follow-up care and emergencies

Requires an in-person initial clinical examination by the authorizing dentist at least every 12 months, except in approved public health settings such as Title I schools, Head Start programs, federally qualified health centers, nursing homes, and correctional facilities, where the initial consultation may occur via real-time or asynchronous communication

Limits each authorizing dentist to supervising no more than four dental hygienists at any one time for teledentistry services; hygienists must have at least two years of experience, maintain professional liability insurance, and hold current CPR certification

Requires health insurance plans issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024, to cover dental care provided through teledentistry without imposing separate dollar maximums or cost-sharing beyond what applies to in-person services, and prohibits insurers from requiring patients to use teledentistry in lieu of in-person examinations