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B V, Ghosh D, M SK, K T M, K P I, R A, A S, S M. Telemedicine Awareness Among Chennai-Based Dentists: A Web-Based Questionnaire Survey. Cureus 2024; 16:e65349. [PMID: 39184609 PMCID: PMC11344609 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Teledentistry has emerged as a crucial tool to address oral health needs amidst social distancing measures and lockdowns. Teledentistry during COVID-19 underscores its potential as an adaptive solution, transforming the delivery of dental care and providing a platform for maintaining oral health while prioritizing public safety. The purpose of this study is to investigate the views of Chennai dental professionals on teledentistry, which may serve as a foundation for advancements in patient care and virtual dentistry in the future, and to evaluate awareness, usefulness, and data security regarding telemedicine among Chennai dental professionals using a pretested questionnaire. METHODS By distributing a pretested web-based questionnaire to licensed dental professionals in Chennai, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The results were statistically analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS A total of 90 dentists in Chennai responded to the questionnaire, out of which 65 (72.2%) were aware of teledentistry and 32 (35.6%) practiced teledentistry. Around 25 to 29 (30%-37%) dentists were very much concerned about obtaining patients' consent, digital forgery, confidentiality, and hardware reliability in teledentistry. CONCLUSION This is the first kind of study ever done among dentists in Chennai, which shows enormous work is required to create awareness and knowledge among dental professionals. To inform dentists and the general public about teledentistry, targeted advertisements pertaining to the same are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishveshwar B
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
| | - Debayan Ghosh
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
| | - Sathya Kumar M
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
| | - Magesh K T
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
| | - Indumathi K P
- Public Health Dentistry, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
| | - Aravindhan R
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
| | - Sivachandran A
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
| | - Mitthra S
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai, IND
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Jin-Yu ML, Min CW, Si Jin JL, Babar MG, Mahdi SS. Practical applications of teledentistry during the Covid-19 pandemic in ASEAN member states - a systematic review. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:421. [PMID: 38580980 PMCID: PMC10996261 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04177-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to determine the utilisation and adoption of teledentistry based solutions and technologies during the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Asean region. BACKGROUND Teledentistry is a branch of telemedicine that has rapidly advanced in the last few years and has the potential to provide solutions to oral health problems of patients and locations that do not have prompt and immediate access to a dentist or dental services. The Covid-19 has increased the adaption of all digital health technologies and teledentistry is no exception. METHODOLOGY The study utilized online databases such as Pubmed (Medline), Scopus (Embase) and CINAHL for the purpose of document search. Newcastle Ottawa (NOS) scale was used to determine the quality of the studies included in our systematic review. PRISMA guidelines were used as the criteria for reporting items in the systematic review. RESULTS A total of 1297 documents were found after applying the search criteria and the keywords for the selected study. After applying the Prisma guidelines, removal of duplicates and irrelevant entries, 10 studies that were conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic were selected, fitting the inclusion criteria. All the studies included were evaluated for quality and risk of bias through the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Only high-quality studies were included for the final review. CONCLUSION Teledentistry is a cost-effective solution to screen, diagnose and treat dental patients from a distance. Teledentistry also has the potential to continue seamless continuation of dental education to dental students, during disruptive and non-disruptive periods. ASEAN countries should fully utilise the potential of teledentistry, however sound and effective legislation would be the key first step to achieving that potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Loh Jin-Yu
- Division of Clinical Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Cheong Wayn Min
- Division of Clinical Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jason Law Si Jin
- Division of Clinical Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muneer Gohar Babar
- Division of Clinical Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Syed Sarosh Mahdi
- Division of Clinical Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Goffin G, Carter N, Sari Widyarman A, Erri Astoeti T, Kabir Bulbul H, Puplampu P, Berrezouga L, Trong Hung H. Role of teledentistry in enabling improved oral care outcomes. Br Dent J 2024; 236:162-168. [PMID: 38332075 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-024-7055-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, the link between oral health and general health is clearly understood and supported by many global bodies, including the World Health Organisation. Yet, oral diseases remain prevalent worldwide, necessitating a practical approach. This opinion paper seeks to clarify the role of teledentistry as an adjunct for improving oral health when access to oral care services is one of the major concerns.While prevention is the best option, many people lack regular oral care access, missing vital maintenance for mouth and body health. Limited evidence-based education further hinders effective oral hygiene routines. This holds true for remote/rural populations, low socioeconomic groups and individuals with physical/mental disabilities which could make visiting a dental practice more difficult.We examined recent teledentistry publications, highlighting outcomes and suggesting evidence-backed oral health guidance via tailored teledentistry models. Two virtual roundtables were conducted with a global working group experienced in teledentistry and dental access barriers. This panel was made up of representatives from the UK, Belgium, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Ghana and Tunisia.We conclude that teledentistry effectively aids dental referrals, early disease detection, treatment planning, compliance and viability, particularly in regions with limited dental access. The advantage of teledentistry lies in expanding the reach of care. Telehealth and teledentistry are value-driven, yet larger, standardised research is needed to fully harness the potential of teledentistry in bridging underserved populations with oral care experts, ultimately fostering optimal oral health. Education on the capabilities and benefits of teledentistry should become part of the curriculum of future dental professionals and broadly leveraged on continuing education platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Goffin
- King´s College London Dental Institute, Dental Innovation and Translation Hub, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Floor 17, Tower Wing, Guy´s Hospital, Great Maze Pound, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Nigel Carter
- Chief Executive, Oral Health Foundation, Smile House, 2 East Union Street, Rugby, CV22 6AJ, UK
| | | | - Tri Erri Astoeti
- Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI), Jl Utan Kayu Raya No. 5, RW. 5, Utan Kayu Utara, Kec. Matraman, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13120, Indonesia
| | - Humayun Kabir Bulbul
- Principal, Dhaka Dental College, Secretary General, Bangladesh Dental Society, Bangladesh
| | - Paapa Puplampu
- President, Ghana Dental Association, Okuja St, Accra, Ghana
| | - Latifa Berrezouga
- University of Monastir, BP 56 Avenue Taher Hadded, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
| | - Hoang Trong Hung
- Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Alsharif A, Felemban D, Bakeer H, Kassim S. Validity and reliability of a teledentistry survey among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16834. [PMID: 38313015 PMCID: PMC10838065 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The perception of teledentistry use among dental practitioners in various contexts was assessed using the Teledentistry Survey (the TDS-24). However, this survey's psychometric analyses have not yet been analysed. This present study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the TDS-24 in a sample of dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Methods A self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics and the TDS, was distributed as a cross-sectional survey to 800 current dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia recruited via convenience and snowball sampling. The construct validity and reliability of the TDS were assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha. Results The EFA of the survey yielded 20 items supporting a four-factor structure as follows: factor I (10 items), factor II (four items), factor III (three items) and factor IV (three items). The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.85, while it was 0.86 for the first factor, 0.70 for the second factor, 0.52 for the third factor and 0.57 for the fourth factor. Conclusions The TDS-20, after excluding four items, revealed four factors with adequate psychometric properties, making it a valid and reliable tool in assessing teledentistry perceptions among dental practitioners in this study sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Alsharif
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa Felemban
- Department of Oral Basic and Clinical Sciences, Taibah University College of Dentistry, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Saba Kassim
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
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Nakornnoi T, Chantakao C, Luangaram N, Janbamrung T, Thitasomakul T, Sipiyaruk K. Perceptions of orthodontic residents toward the implementation of dental technologies in postgraduate curriculum. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:625. [PMID: 37658317 PMCID: PMC10474673 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental technologies have increasingly been implemented in orthodontic practice to offer better experiences for orthodontists and patients, however, there is no scientific evidence yet whether which technologies should be implemented into the postgraduate programs. OBJECTIVES To investigate perceptions of orthodontic residents toward the confidence and importance of dental technologies, as well as to determine their necessity in postgraduate programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The online questionnaire was designed to collect data from residents from all accredited orthodontic postgraduate programs in Thailand. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, which were (1) demographic data, (2) self-perceived importance of orthodontic technologies, (3) self-perceived confidence toward orthodontic technologies, and (4) the necessity of orthodontic technologies in postgraduate programs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and a chi-square test. RESULTS Intraoral scanner was found to be an orthodontic technology with the highest scores for both self-perceived importance (4.37 ± 0.59) and confidence (4.23 ± 0.75), followed by cone-beam computed tomography, digital treatment planning software, and lab-produced aligners. These orthodontic technologies were also considered as mandatory in orthodontic postgraduate programs. CAD/CAM technologies appeared to be least important, and their training may be arranged as short course training. There was no significant influence of training locations on the necessity of all orthodontic technologies (P > 0.05), except CBCT. Self-perceived importance and confidence in all technologies were found to have significant positive correlations (P < 0.05), except teledentistry and in-office aligners. CONCLUSION Orthodontic technologies were perceived as important in clinical workflow. Intraoral Scanners, CBCT, digital treatment planning software, lab-produced aligners, and digital modeling software appeared to be necessary for clinical practice and should be considered for orthodontic postgraduate programs, while other technologies may be arranged as short course training. Further research should investigate how to arrange and organize training sessions in orthodontic postgraduate programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerasak Nakornnoi
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanchawan Chantakao
- Doctor of Dental Surgery Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nutchanon Luangaram
- Doctor of Dental Surgery Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thapakorn Janbamrung
- Doctor of Dental Surgery Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Teetouch Thitasomakul
- Doctor of Dental Surgery Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kawin Sipiyaruk
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Alghamdi SA. Parent perceptions regarding virtual pediatric dental clinics during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15289. [PMID: 37601257 PMCID: PMC10434104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the attitudes and responses of parents of pediatric patients towards virtual dental clinics during COVID-19. Material and Method A total of 102 parents of pediatric patients who were scheduled for virtual (video or telephonic) clinic appointments for new patient consultations and follow-up clinics were included in the study. Parents and patients could attend the virtual clinic from a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was sent to the parents through email after consultation (video or telephonic) which consisted of demographic data and a ten-item, five-point Likert-scale assessing: (i) parent satisfaction; (ii) ease of use; (iii) the effectiveness including increasing access to clinical services; (iv) reliability of the teledentistry system and (v) usefulness for patients. Statistical analyses used were t-test, one-way ANOVA test, Shapiro-Wilk and histogram. Result Out of 102 parents, 52 attended video clinics and 50 attended the telephonic clinic. The majority of the parents were between 30-39 years of age, and about 73% had no previous experience with either virtual or telephonic consultation. Ninety-four percent of parents were satisfied with vide clinic consultation, and most of them agreed that accessing clinical services through a video clinic was easy to understand, comfortable, and time-saving. The majority of the parents (94%) agreed and strongly agreed that they will use video clinics again in the future for consultation. Conclusion Parents' response to the use of virtual clinics for pediatric dentistry during COVID was positive. The majority of the parents stated that they would consider using teledentistry for future consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ayid Alghamdi
- Department of Preventive Science, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
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