The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners voted Nov. 7 to adopt a teledentistry rule and to advance multiple rule reviews and proposals affecting ancillary personnel and dental-assistant registration.

Miss Studdard and Chair Linda Burke reported that staff had prepared revisions to implement House Bill 1700; the board voted unanimously to adopt amended rule 1.08.16, which requires certain informed-consent documentation when clinicians provide teledentistry services. The rule adoption followed a public-comment period and receipt of supporting comments from the Texas Academy of Operative Dentistry (TAO) and the American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO).

The Dental Practice Committee also recommended and the board voted unanimously to propose rule reviews for chapters 1.14 (extension of duties for auxiliary dental personnel—dental assistants), 1.15 (extension of duties for auxiliary personnel—dental hygiene) and 1.16 (dental laboratories), which will be published in the Texas Register for public comment.

Separately, the board approved proposing edits to rule 1.14.2 (registration of dental assistants) to update internal-process language and to include film and digital X‑ray course requirements for RDA courses; the board voted to propose the language as presented to allow public comment and later revision as needed.

Why it matters: Adoption of the teledentistry informed-consent requirement implements a state law change and sets documentation expectations for clinicians using telehealth methods. Proposed changes to auxiliaries’ duties and RDA registration will be subject to public comment and possible revision before final adoption.

Sources: Committee reports and board votes at the Nov. 7 meeting; miss Studdard and Doctor Linda Burke’s remarks recorded at 01:46:41–01:53:41 and 01:52:42–01:53:41.