2022-07
Promoting Teledentistry and Teleorthodontics
Sponsored by Assemblymember Eduardo García (CA)
Reported to the Caucus by the NHCSL Healthcare Task Force
Rep. Alma Hernández (AZ), Chair
Unanimously ratified by the Caucus on December 1, 2022
WHEREAS, in Resolution 2021-04, Raising Awareness about the Importance of Oral Healthcare, this Caucus resolved that oral health care is a critical component of overall health and recognized the importance of oral health awareness efforts at the local, state, and federal levels to improve the oral health of all; and,
WHEREAS, in Resolution 2012-11, Resolution on Telemedicine, this Caucus resolved to support the expansion of tele-health programs for existing patient-provider relationships, and, in Resolution 2020-10, Addressing the Broadband Access Crisis by Extending Low-Income Subsidies and Maximizing Electric Infrastructure, cited the crucial need for, and inequitable access to, telehealth during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the desirability of expanding telehealth options and innovation in general as key reasons to subsidize and expand broadband access; and,
WHEREAS, the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes that teledentistry “can be an effective way to extend the reach of dental professionals, increasing access to care by reducing the effect of distance barriers to care” and education delivery, noting that “it is the legal responsibility of the dentist to ensure that all records collected are sufficient for the dentist to make a diagnosis and treatment plan;”[1] and,
WHEREAS, teledentistry has been a powerful tool for increasing access to oral health care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States[2] and internationally;[3] and,
WHEREAS, teledentistry has been leveraged to mitigate financial, geographic, language and cultural barriers to improve health outcomes for lower income, rural, and other traditionally underserved communities; and,
WHEREAS, orthodontia is among the many areas of dentistry in which teledentistry has enabled dental health providers to offer safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment options to their patients,[4] especially during the pandemic.[5]
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators calls on states to adopt policies that properly incorporate teledentistry and teleorthodontics as a component of providing safe and affordable access to oral health for all.
THE HEALTHCARE TASK FORCE UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED THIS RESOLUTION TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THIS RESOLUTION AT ITS MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2022.
THE NATIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS UNANIMOUSLY RATIFIED THIS RESOLUTION ON DECEMBER 1, 2022 AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.
[1] ADA Policy on Teledentistry. https://www.ada.org/about/governance/current-policies/ada-policy-on-teledentistry
[2] Hung M, Lipsky MS, Phuatrakoon TN, Nguyen M, Licari FW, Unni EJ. Teledentistry Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review. Interact J Med Res. 2022;11(2):e39955. Published 2022 Jul 21. doi:10.2196/39955
[3] Singhal S, Mohapatra S, Quiñonez C. Reviewing Teledentistry Usage in Canada during COVID-19 to Determine Possible Future Opportunities. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;19(1):31. Published 2021 Dec 21. doi:10.3390/ijerph19010031. And see, Kui A, Popescu C, Labuneț A, et al. Is Teledentistry a Method for Optimizing Dental Practice, Even in the Post-Pandemic Period? An Integrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(13):7609. Published 2022 Jun 22. doi:10.3390/ijerph19137609.
[4] Lo Giudice A, Ronsivalle V, Venezia P, et al. Teleorthodontics: Where Are We Going? From Skepticism to the Clinical Applications of a New Medical Communication and Management System. Int J Dent. 2022;2022:7301576. Published 2022 Feb 1. doi:10.1155/2022/7301576
[5] Maspero C, Abate A, Cavagnetto D, El Morsi M, Fama A, Farronato M. Available Technologies, Applications and Benefits of Teleorthodontics. A Literature Review and Possible Applications during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med. 2020;9(6):1891. Published 2020 Jun 17. doi:10.3390/jcm9061891. And see Saccomanno S, Quinzi V, Albani A, D'Andrea N, Marzo G, Macchiarelli G. Utility of Teleorthodontics in Orthodontic Emergencies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(6):1108. Published 2022 Jun 14. doi:10.3390/healthcare10061108