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Relating to the practice of dentistry and the provision of tele-dentistry dental services.
According to the Legislative Budget Board, there would be an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.
SB 792 would amend multiple sections of The Occupations Code to include tele-dentistry. Under the new law, dentists and dental hygienists would be given authority to expand the use of tele-dentistry to underserved areas of the State. The bill would allow for treatments covered under this plan to include the oversight of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for the purpose of promulgating rules. In addition, the bill would allow for a dentist to supervise a dental hygienist in an alternate site other than the dental office. This would effectively bring care directly to patients in alternate settings. Lastly, SB 792 requires the Health and Human Service Commission to implement a tele-dentistry plan for qualifying patients under Medicaid.
Texas Action approves of SB 792 because it adheres to the principle of limited government and free markets. Measures that expand the availability of new technologies increase the usage of efficient and effective innovative technologies such as tele-medicine which would improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs.