A Republican bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ORTHO Act requires the Federal Trade Commission to create regulations regarding teledentistry safety. Generally, the bill mandates that a dentist perform an in-person examination before providing dental services or medical devices through teledentistry. Exceptions to this rule include emergent care, public health programs, or specific orthodontic diagnoses. For orthodontic purposes, a dentist must use independent clinical judgment rather than just automated processes and must confirm the diagnosis through an in-person visit and radiographic record review. The bill also establishes enforcement powers for the Federal Trade Commission and State attorneys general.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill empowers the FTC and State attorneys general to take action against unfair or deceptive teledentistry practices.
- Scored +2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill provides clear regulatory standards and enforcement mechanisms for teledentistry providers.
The opposite
- Scored -4
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The requirement for in-person examinations may create barriers to accessing dental care via teledentistry.
- Scored -3
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The requirement for in-person visits may disproportionately affect residents in rural areas who rely on teledentistry for convenience and access.
- Scored -2
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Mandatory in-person visits may increase the cost and difficulty of receiving dental care for low-income patients.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Safety through In-Person Care: The bill requires a dentist to perform an in-person examination before providing dental services or medical devices, except in specific cases like emergent care or public health programs (Section 2(a)(1)).
-
Oversight of Orthodontic Treatments: For those seeking orthodontic appliances, the bill ensures a dentist uses independent clinical judgment rather than just automated or algorithmic processes, and requires an in-person visit to confirm the diagnosis through a review of radiographic records (Section 2(a)(2)(C) and (3)).
-
Protection Against Unfair Practices: Violations of the teledentistry safety requirements are treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices, allowing the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these rules (Section 2(c)(1)).
-
Ability for States to Protect Residents: State attorneys general or officials are empowered to bring civil actions on behalf of residents to enjoin illegal practices or obtain damages if their interests are threatened or affected by violations (Section 2(d)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Teledentistry Access: The requirement for an in-person examination before receiving dental services or medical devices may limit the ability of patients to receive care through teledentistry, except in cases of emergent care or public health programs (Section 2(a)(1) and (a)(2)).
-
Additional Steps for Orthodontic Patients: Patients seeking orthodontic appliances must undergo an in-person visit and a review of radiographic records to confirm a diagnosis made via teledentistry (Section 2(a)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The requirement for in-person visits may disproportionately affect residents in rural areas who rely on teledentistry for convenience and access. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Mandatory in-person visits may increase the cost and difficulty of receiving dental care for low-income patients.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill empowers the FTC and State attorneys general to take action against unfair or deceptive teledentistry practices.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The requirement for in-person examinations may create barriers to accessing dental care via teledentistry.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill provides clear regulatory standards and enforcement mechanisms for teledentistry providers.
- 7/23/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 7/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
Paul GosarRepublican · Arizona
John JoyceRepublican · Pennsylvania
Jefferson Van DrewRepublican · New Jersey