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 remotely. The bill specifies that a licensee must establish a bona fide relationship with a patient before offering teledentistry services, which includes reviewing the patient's medical history and conducting an in-person examination. Additionally, it mandates informed consent from patients and requires that a dentist of record be responsible for all treatments provided through teledentistry.

The legislation also addresses unprofessional conduct by prohibiting licensees from requiring patients to enter into agreements that limit their ability to file complaints or seek legal recourse. It emphasizes the importance of patient safety by requiring licensees to refer patients to emergency care when necessary and mandates that advertisements for teledentistry services include a disclaimer recommending an in-person examination before treatment. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor and will govern over any conflicting provisions in the Telehealth and Telemedicine Modernization Act as it pertains to dental licensees.