Perspective of pediatric dental specialists on mobile teledentistry applications

Creative Commons License

Avcı B., Kaptan A.

FDI WORLD DENTAL CONGRESS, İstanbul, Türkiye, 12 - 15 Eylül 2024, cilt.74, ss.4, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 74
  • Basıldığı Şehir: İstanbul
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.4
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

AIM or PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of Pediatric Dentistry specialists regarding the usefulness of the mobile teledentistry method in examining dental practices and patient outcomes.

MATERIALS and METHOD

The mobile teledentistry application 'TeleDiş' was developed to facilitate acquiring dental images and transmitting and examining data. A total of 2766 teeth of 115 patients aged 4-15 years who applied to the pediatric dentistry clinic were examined in the study. After the face-to-face clinical examination, the examining physician took photographs of the patient's teeth using a smartphone camera. These intraoral and extraoral photographs were uploaded to the iOS-based TeleDental application using encrypted 'Store and Forward' telemedicine technology. Six expert pediatric dentists (at least five years of experience) who participated in the study on a voluntary basis made a photographic evaluation. After the process, a 5-point Likert-type scaled "TeleDiş Mobile Application Satisfaction Survey" was administered.

RESULTS

The study revealed that 100% of teleconsultants agreed most or always that their dental practice would be improved by increasing communication with colleagues, guidance, and referral of new patients. The majority also felt that teledentistry was highly beneficial in improving patient management and increasing patient satisfaction. 16% of respondents expressed uncertainty regarding technical glitches, privacy, and diagnostic accuracy, which provides valuable insights for further improvement.

CONCLUSION(S)

Dentists were generally positive and supportive of teledentistry and its integration into existing dental practices. Addressing how teledentistry can benefit specific practice issues will encourage more dentists to use telemedicine in their routine practices.