Australia’s National Boards (via Ahpra) have refreshed guidance on virtual care and telehealth. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has flagged the update for dentists, and Ahpra has published a consolidated resource for all practitioners: Information for practitioners who provide virtual care. Below is a practical highlight of what’s changed, what “good” looks like, and how to embed safe, compliant telehealth in your practice model for 2026.
Key Summary – at a glance
- What virtual care covers: phone, video and some asynchronous modes — used when clinically appropriate.
- Appropriateness first: triage, advice, post-op checks may fit; acute pain/infection or procedures require in-person care.
- Core obligations: consent, identity checks, privacy/security, accurate clinical records, safety and escalation.
- Prescribing via telehealth: heightened caution and documentation; avoid convenience-only prescribing.
- Cross-border & PII: know the rules where the patient is, and confirm professional indemnity insurance covers telehealth.
What’s Changed — and Why It Matters for Dentists
The updated virtual care guidance clarifies when telehealth is suitable, what minimum standards apply, and how to manage clinical risk. For dentistry, the signal is consistent: telehealth is a useful adjunct for appropriate scenarios (e.g., triage, preventive advice, medication review, straightforward post-operative checks). When hands-on assessment, radiographs or procedures are required — or when red-flag symptoms arise — an in-person appointment is expected.
The guidance also emphasises patient suitability and context. For example, unmanaged pain, facial swelling, suspected spreading infection, trauma or systemic features will generally trigger face-to-face review. Virtual care should support safe decision-making, set expectations, and provide clear escalation steps, rather than replace necessary clinical examination.
Meeting Your Obligations in Virtual Care
1) Consent & identity
- Obtain informed consent for a telehealth consult; explain benefits, limitations and privacy considerations.
- Verify identity of the patient (and any substitute decision-maker/guardian where relevant).
- Confirm the patient’s location at the start of the consult for jurisdiction and emergency purposes.
2) Privacy & data security
- Conduct telehealth in a private space; use secure, fit-for-purpose platforms.
- Do not record the consult unless lawful and with explicit consent; store any data in line with record-keeping standards.
3) Clinical records
- Keep contemporaneous notes: history, advice, clinical reasoning, and limitations of virtual assessment.
- Document the follow-up plan and any need for in-person review (including timeframes and red-flag triggers).
4) Prescribing via telehealth
- Prescribe only when clinically appropriate after adequate assessment; avoid convenience-only or repeat-only prescribing without review.
- Record the clinical rationale, checks performed (e.g., allergies), and safety-netting instructions.
5) Safety & escalation
- Have clear emergency protocols and local escalation options; give written instructions if symptoms worsen.
- Direct to in-person care without delay if red flags are present or if virtual assessment is insufficient.
6) Equity, cultural safety & accessibility
- Offer interpreters or communication supports where needed; consider disability access and digital inclusion.
- Be mindful of cultural safety and patient preferences when choosing telehealth vs in-person care.
Tip: Create a short, practice-wide SOP for virtual care covering identity checks, consent wording, platform use, documentation prompts, and escalation pathways.
Cross-Border Care, PII and Practice Governance
Where is the patient? When the patient is in another state/territory (or overseas), you may need to consider rules where the patient is located. Check registration, prescribing and other legal requirements before proceeding.
Professional indemnity insurance (PII): Ensure your policy explicitly covers telehealth and any cross-border work. Confirm documentation expectations and any notification requirements with your insurer.
Advertising & scope: Telehealth offerings must align with your scope of practice and National Law advertising rules (no misleading claims, testimonials restrictions, appropriate qualification display).
Team protocols: Use reception scripts to assess suitability (e.g., swelling/fever = in-person), provide consent language, and guide platform set-up. Train clinicians and admin staff on documentation prompts and incident reporting.
Conclusion
The updated National Boards guidance provides a clear baseline for safe, patient-centred telehealth in dentistry. Use virtual care where it adds value, document your reasoning, and maintain robust privacy and safety practices. With the right governance, telehealth can improve access and continuity without compromising standards.
Disclaimer: This blog is a general overview and should not be construed as professional legal, financial or medical advice.
FAQs
- When is telehealth appropriate in dental care?
Triage, preventive advice, medication reviews and routine post-op checks are examples. If examination, imaging or procedures are needed, or if red flags are present, book in-person care.
- Can dentists prescribe after a telehealth consult?
Yes, but only when clinically appropriate after adequate assessment. Avoid convenience-only prescribing; document rationale and provide safety-net instructions.
- Do I need special consent for virtual care?
Obtain informed consent for telehealth, including discussion of limitations and privacy. Verify identity and location at the start of the consult.
- What if the patient is in another state or overseas?
Check legal and regulatory requirements where the patient is located, and ensure your professional indemnity insurance covers the consult.
