Policy on Teledentistry

Policy statement

The AAPD encourages the use of teledentistry as an adjunct to in-person clinical care to improve access to care for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. The AAPD advocates that teledentistry services:

• be recognized as a vital extension of contemporary pediatric dentistry by stakeholders including oral health care professionals, patients, state and federal regulatory agencies, and third party payors.
• complement but do not serve as a substitute for the establishment of a dental home.
• serve as a useful tool for the timely assessment and triage of traumatic injuries.
• provide an important option when access to oral health care professionals is limited including, but not limited to, local unforeseen circumstances, patients in remote locations, and patients with special health care needs who may not be able to engage in traditional services.
• be consistent with evidence-based guidelines and recommendations promulgated by organizations or agencies with recognized expertise and stature.
• be included as an essential component of health care benefits plans with reimbursement rates on par with in-person delivery of care.

The AAPD recognizes that teledentistry is an expanding and increasingly beneficial technology. Further research and development of teledentistry policy and technology are needed on a state and national level to facilitate widespread implementation.