What Is Teledentistry?
Teledentistry is the use of telehealth technology to deliver dental care. Telehealth refers to a collection of services that include the technology and strategies used to provide medical, health, and education services virtually. While it is impossible for all dentistry services to be virtual, many services can be provided without an in-person interaction.2
Types of Teledentistry
Teledentistry provides patient care and education using different modalities.2
- Synchronous — A provider gives care in real time using audiovisual technology.
- Asynchronous — Health information is recorded and forwarded to a provider who provides services outside of a live interaction. Health information can include radiographs, photos, videos, digital impressions, or photomicrographs of the patient.
- Remote patient monitoring (RPM) — Health information is collected using electronic communication technologies from an individual in one location and sent to a provider in a different location.
- Mobile health (mHealth) — Health care that is supported by the use of mobile communication devices like mobile phones, tablets, computers, or personal digital assistants (PDAs).
Types of Services Provided via Teledentistry
Teledentistry can provide patients with access to care and professional advice in a timely manner.
One example of a teledenistry service is screening for oral cancers. The diagnosis of oral cancers may be delayed due to misdiagnosis of oral lesions. Teledentistry can provide an efficient way to screen for this type of cancer.3
Other conditions can be diagnosed using teledentistry. A general dentist may use teledentistry to consult with a specialist dentist to assist in a difficult diagnosis.3
Teledentistry can also be used in patient assessment, treatment planning, and follow-up care. The use of teledentistry services is becoming more common in orthodontics, where it is used to consult with other dentists and monitor patients throughout their treatment. In the field of endodontics, teledentistry can be used to help general dentists recognise root canals and prevent further complications.3
A 2022 systematic review found that the most commonly utilised type of teledentistry is asynchronous screening and diagnosis in paediatrics.1 Although the asynchronous modality is the most common, most dentists prefer synchronous services.3
Benefits of Teledentistry
Although teledentistry has been available for many years, it became a more acceptable route of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several benefits of teledentistry for both patients and providers.
Fewer Office Visits
If patients can receive dental care services such as consultations and treatment follow-up virtually, there may not be a reason to come in for office visits as frequently. This can benefit the patient in less travel time and time off work.3
Fewer office visits by patients also means that dentists may be able to see more patients each day. It can also be cost-saving for dental offices because resources like gloves, gowns, and other equipment are not required for these teledentistry appointments.3
Improved Access to Care
Teledentistry can improve access to dental care for many groups of patients, such as those in long-term care facilities and in rural areas.1
Consultations with specialist dentists by general dentists can also improve patient access to speciality dentistry services that may have required a complicated referral process.3
Other health care providers, such as physicians, can also use teledentistry services to make sure patients receive the most appropriate care. For example, palliative care patients often receive inadequate treatment for oral lesions. A virtual consult with a dentist could ensure the best care for the patient.1
Improved Quality of Care
Utilising teledentistry services means that patients can quickly consult with a dentist for non-urgent concerns that may have been delayed without the use of these services. Providing some services virtually may also help patients with dental anxiety to receive dental services.3
Limitations of Teledentistry
It is important to be aware of the possible limitations and challenges of teledentistry. Dentists may be hesitant to diagnose certain conditions without an in-person assessment. Possible problems may include technology difficulties, poor image quality, problems with internet connection, improper lighting, and patient familiarity with technology.3
It can also be costly for dental offices to invest in the hardware and software necessary to provide teledentistry services to patients.4
Although every effort should be taken to prevent it, the use of teledentistry could result in electronic data being leaked. Patients should be informed of this possibility and give their consent.3
Teledentistry is still new to many practices. A 2022 survey of more than 2,700 dental providers in the United States found that 23% of dentists have used teledentistry. The level of dental care provided is one of the main concerns for dentists who haven’t used teledentistry.4
Each dental practice should weigh the pros and cons of integrating teledentistry into their practice.
References:
- Gurgel-Juarez N, Torres-Pereira C, Haddad AE, et al. Accuracy and effectiveness of teledentistry: a systematic review of systematic reviews. Evid Based Dent. 2022 Jul 8:1–8. doi: 10.1038/s41432-022-0257-8. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35804195; PMCID: PMC9264296.
- American Dental Association. ADA Policy on Teledentistry. Updated 2020. Accessed November 22, 2023. https://www.ada.org/en/about/governance/current-policies/ada-policy-on-teledentistry
- Islam MRR, Islam R, Ferdous S, et al. Teledentistry as an effective tool for the communication improvement between dentists and patients: An overview. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Aug 21;10(8):1586. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10081586. PMID: 36011243; PMCID: PMC9408418.
- Tiwari T, Diep V, Tranby E, Thakkar-Samtani M, Frantsve-Hawley J. Dentist perceptions about the value of teledentistry. BMC Oral Health. 2022 May 13;22(1):176. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02208-z. PMID: 35562798; PMCID: PMC9101983.
