Bill > HB4070

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for the sale, design, and manufacture of orthodontic devices in Texas, focusing on patient safety and professional oversight. The legislation defines an orthodontic device as a specialized medical device used to move teeth or correct jaw alignment, and sets strict requirements for its provision. Under the bill, only dentists licensed in Texas can sell or provide services related to orthodontic devices, and they must first conduct an in-person intraoral dental examination, review comprehensive diagnostic imaging (such as x-rays or CT scans) to identify any potential oral health issues that might preclude treatment, and issue a formal prescription. The bill mandates that patients receive counseling about treatment options and associated risks, which must be acknowledged in writing, and requires healthcare providers to maintain patient documentation for at least seven years. Additionally, the bill prohibits dentists from requiring patients to use a specific type of orthodontic device and ensures that patient records can be shared between dental professionals when appropriate. The legislation will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to services and device sales from that date forward, aiming to enhance patient safety and regulate the orthodontic device market more stringently.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4070