by Atlanta, Georgia — A new state law is changing how residents access dental care. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Georgia patients can now consult with dentists remotely through secure online platforms thanks to legislation aimed at expanding healthcare access across the state.
The measure, known as House Bill 567, was signed by Brian Kemp in May 2025 and passed the legislature with strong bipartisan support. Supporters say the law could significantly improve dental access, especially for people in rural communities.
Remote Dental Appointments Now Allowed
Under the new law, licensed dentists in Georgia can provide certain services using teledentistry, allowing patients to connect with providers without traveling to a physical clinic.
Remote appointments can include:
- Consultations
- Second opinions
- Dental evaluations
- Triage assessments
- Referrals to specialists
Patients can schedule virtual appointments using secure telehealth platforms, making it easier to get professional guidance quickly.
However, the law makes clear that teledentistry is not intended to replace in-person dental care.
Instead, it is designed as an early step to help determine what type of treatment may be needed.
Some Prescriptions Allowed — But Not Opioids
Dentists providing teledentistry services may prescribe certain medications remotely, including:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
However, opioid prescriptions are not permitted through teledentistry appointments, a safeguard aimed at preventing misuse of controlled substances.
In addition, orthodontic treatment cannot begin through remote consultations alone.
Georgia now joins a small group of states that require an in-person dental exam before orthodontic care can start.
Strict Rules Designed to Protect Patients
The law includes several safety requirements for dentists offering remote services.
Before any virtual appointment, dentists must:
- Collect a complete medical and dental history
- Obtain informed patient consent
- Follow the same professional standards required for in-office care
Dentists must also maintain a physical practice location within Georgia and have referral arrangements with other providers in case a patient needs in-person treatment.
These requirements ensure patients can transition from virtual care to hands-on treatment when necessary.
Insurance Must Cover Virtual Dental Visits
One major provision of the law ensures financial access.
Insurance providers cannot deny payment for services simply because the appointment was conducted online rather than in a dental office.
That means patients who use teledentistry will be able to receive coverage similar to traditional visits.
The Georgia Board of Dentistry released official teledentistry guidelines and applications in January 2026, requiring dentists to comply with the rules before offering the service.
Rural Communities Could Benefit Most
Supporters say the law may be especially important in rural areas.
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More than 20 counties in Georgia currently have no practicing dentists, making routine dental care difficult for many residents.
Across the United States, access challenges are widespread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 57 million Americans live in dental health professional shortage areas, and most of those areas are rural.
Teledentistry could help close those gaps by allowing patients to consult with a dentist quickly and determine whether an in-person visit is needed.
A New Option — Not a Replacement
While remote dental visits are now allowed, health officials stress that many treatments will still require a traditional office visit.
Teledentistry is meant to improve convenience and expand access — not replace the dental chair entirely.
Still, for patients dealing with travel barriers, mobility issues or long wait times, the option to speak with a dentist from home could be a significant step forward.
Do you think teledentistry will improve access to care, or do you prefer traditional in-person dental visits? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
