Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to assess the impact of teledentistry, its application and trends in uplifting dental practice and clinical care around the world.
Material and Methods: The present observational study comprised of an electronic survey distributed among dental professionals around the globe. The validated survey form consisted of a total of 26 questions with a 5-point Likert scale response. The questionnaire used was divided into four domains: usefulness of teledentistry for patients, its usefulness in dental practice; its capacity to improve the existing practice; and the concerns attached to its use. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-25. ANOVA test was used to assess the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. A p-value of ≤0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: A total of 506 dental professionals participated in the study with a response rate of 89.39%. More than half of participants (50-75%) endorsed that teledentistry is a useful tool for improving clinical practise as well as patient care. Two third of participants (69.96%) considered that teledentistry would reduce costs for the dental practices. On the other hand, about 50-70% of dental professionals expressed their concerns regarding the security of the data and consent of patients. The most preferred communication tool for teledentistry was reported to be videoconference followed by phone. The majority of participants recommended the use of teledentistry in the speciality of oral medicine, operative dentistry, and periodontics. There was a significant difference between the age, experience of dentists, and their qualifications with domains of teledentistry.
Conclusions: The overall impact of dental professionals towards teledentistry was positive with adequate willingness to incorporate this modality in their clinical practice. However, the perceived concerns pertaining to teledentistry are significant impediments towards its integration within the oral health system. An in-depth study of its business model and cost-benefit is a need of time, especially in the context of developing countries, in order to avail the optimum benefits of teledentistry.
Keywords: COVID-19, Dental care professional, Dental health, Telehealth, Tele technology, Tele diagnosis.