Ethics & Law · patient case question
The caregiver asks about a virtual consultation for the next review. Which body sets the professional standards and guidance governing teledentistry?
Patient case: Dependent older adult with a full-time caregiver
Patient: Male, 88 years old
Chief Complaint: Brought in by his caregiver for a check-up. He does not report any pain.
Background: Lives at home with an all-day caregiver. Takes eleven regular medications including an antihypertensive, an anxiolytic and a statin. He cannot brush effectively on his own.
Current Findings: Generalised cervical (Class V) carious lesions on the buccal surfaces of most remaining teeth. Marked xerostomia. Heavy plaque. He tires quickly in the chair.
Vital Signs: BP 142/84 mmHg · HR 76 bpm
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. The ADA (American Dental Association)
- A. OSHA regulates workplace safety for dental EMPLOYEES — bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, PPE.
- B. The FDA regulates devices, drugs and materials, not the delivery model of care.
- C. The CDC issues infection prevention and public health guidance for dental settings — not standards for remote care delivery.
- D. The ADA has issued teledentistry policy and guidance defining the modalities (synchronous, asynchronous, remote monitoring, mobile health) and the standard that the same duty of care applies as for in-person treatment.
Note: ⚑ Worth knowing both halves: the ADA writes the PROFESSIONAL guidance, but LEGAL authority over teledentistry — licensure, what may be delegated, what counts as an examination of record — sits with each STATE DENTAL BOARD. If a stem asks who REGULATES rather than who sets standards, the state board is the better answer.