Senate advances teledentistry measure after unanimous second-reading vote

The South Carolina Senate advanced S.453 on a unanimous roll-call vote, 44 to 0, sending the teledentistry measure to the next legislative stage after second reading. The bill, explained on the floor by Senator Simmons Buford, makes "teledentistry" interchangeable with "telehealth" in state law and authorizes electronic follow-up care so long as a bona fide in‑person dentist‑patient relationship already exists.

“Teledentistry allows a dentist to interact with a patient electronically after an in-person visit,” Senator Simmons Buford said, describing the measure as consistent with post‑COVID care models. He told colleagues the bill also directs the Board of Dentistry to promulgate regulations governing those services.

Senator Devine sought and received clarification that teledentistry is intended primarily for follow‑up care — for example, to check patient progress or answer questions after an in‑office visit — not as a substitute for an initial diagnostic exam.

After explanations and brief questioning from members, the Senate moved S.453 for second reading and the clerk conducted a roll call. The clerk later announced, "By a vote of 44 to 0, S.453 receives a second reading of the Senate." The bill was placed on the calendar for further consideration and committee referral had been recorded earlier in the proceedings.

Supporters argued the change modernizes state statute to reflect current telehealth practice and to make routine dental follow-up more accessible, particularly for patients in rural areas. The bill, as explained on the floor, includes delegated rulemaking authority to the Board of Dentistry to set professional standards and safeguards.

The next procedural step for S.453 is continued consideration on the Senate calendar and eventual committee work as required by Senate rules.