TELEDENTISTRY FILLING THE VOIDS IN DENTAL CARE
*Dr. Samreen Seethi, BDS, Dr. Dhanya John, MDS, Dr. Jiss Mary G, MDS and Dr. Giju George Baby, MDS
ABSTRACT
Background: Teledentistry is an expeditiously emerging multi-faceted technology that is destined to become standard equipment in delivering the best possible dental care. It combines telecommunication technology and dental care. Teledentistry can improve access to oral healthcare, provide awareness among the patients and low cost treatment plans. It conjointly has the potential to eliminate the disparities in oral health care between rural and metropolitan communities. Teledentistry, a subset of the concept of Telemedicine, is an emerging field in dentistry that combines telecommunication, information technology, internet, digital imaging to support clinical oral health care to a wide population, patient awareness, skilled health care education, public health administration. The two main approaches used in teledentistry includes: Real time consultation and store and forward method. Addition of teledentistry to our national health care systems like national rural health mission enables to strengthen the availability of oral health care at the primary health centres, community health centres and district hospitals. Aim: In this article, we review the development of teledentistry, and its importance. Clinical significance: Patients who have dental concern can get answers that do not necessarily require in-person care and ample amount of time to ponder and discuss with family members about the treatment plan and charges. Patient is less burdened with travel, cost, time and quicker clarification of diagnosis is made. The number of unnecessary analgesic and antibiotic prescriptions often given to patients with oral health emergencies is reduced and there is increased continuity of care. Conclusion: This article gives an outlook on the use of teledentistry in dental education and treatment planning, explains its strengths, limitations, and its future role.
Keywords: dentistry, health, internet, technology, telemedicine, treatment.
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