The bill S. 453 aims to establish guidelines for the practice of teledentistry in South Carolina by adding Article 5 to Title 40, Chapter 15 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It defines key terms related to teledentistry, such as "asynchronous transmission," "distant site," and "emergent care," and outlines the standards of care that dental licensees must adhere to when providing services through teledentistry. Notably, the bill prohibits licensees from providing treatment based solely on online questionnaires, delegating certain duties that require in-person supervision, or offering experimental treatments. Additionally, it mandates that a bona fide relationship between a patient and a licensee must be established before services can be rendered, with specific exceptions for emergent care and public health programs.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of informed consent, requiring licensees to confirm patient identity, document consent, and provide relevant information about their qualifications. It stipulates that a dentist of record must oversee all teledentistry treatments, and advertisements for such services must include a disclaimer recommending an in-person examination prior to treatment. Furthermore, the bill outlines unprofessional conduct for licensees, particularly regarding agreements that limit a patient's ability to seek recourse for treatment deficiencies. Overall, this legislation seeks to regulate teledentistry practices while ensuring patient safety and care standards are maintained.