New CA Law regarding do-it-yourself orthodontics!

A huge legislative “win” in California for patients seeking tele-dentistry, with the passage of AB 1519. Using the words of CA Governor, the bill “includes significant policy changes related to the regulation of self-applied orthodontic treatments administered via tele-health and other technological platforms.” What does this bill address? 

• It requires an electronic notice for patients receiving dental services through tele-health, including a provision that the California Dental Board is the entity that regulates dentists and dental assistants, and provides the telephone number and internet website of the California Dental Board. 
• It defines as “unprofessional conduct” if a dentist fails to review the patient’s most recent radiographs or equivalent bone imaging prior to the initial use of orthodontic appliances. 
• The name, telephone number, practice address, and California state license number must be available to the patient (when requested) prior to treatment when they are undergoing tele-health services. 
• The law prohibits dental service providers from requiring patients to sign an agreement that limits the patient’s ability to file a complaint with the California Dental Board. 
• All the laws and regulations governing professional responsibility, unprofessional conduct, and standards of practice that apply to a health care provider under the health care provider’s license shall also apply to that health care provider while providing tele- health services. 

TO SUMMARIZE, if seeking tele-dentistry orthodontic services:

1. It is the California Dental Board that will regulate the treatment.
2. The dentist overseeing your treatment is required to look at X-rays before moving your teeth.
3. The name of the dentist and his license number must be available to the patient.
4. It is illegal to require the patient to sign an agreement limiting their ability to file a complaint with the California Dental Board.
5. All laws regulating all general dentists and orthodontists will apply to dentists providing tele-dentistry.
   

Is it just me, or does it seem crazy that it required the State of CA to pass a law and the Governor to sign to provide these basic rights that most people probably thought they already had.  Know these rights, just because this bill passed does not ensure that the tele-dentistry providers will quickly come into compliance to protect your health and your well-being when being treated using do-it-yourself orthodontics.