Teledentistry
Teledentistry
Teledentistry (/ˈtɛlɪˌdɛntɪstri/), from the Greek words tele (distance) and dentistry (study of the teeth), is a branch of telemedicine that uses digital information and communication technologies to provide and support dental care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of dental information, and education.
History
The concept of teledentistry was first introduced in 1994 by Cook, who proposed the use of this technology for dental screenings in the military. Since then, it has evolved and expanded, becoming an important part of modern dentistry.
Types of Teledentistry
There are two main types of teledentistry: synchronous and asynchronous.
- Synchronous teledentistry involves real-time interaction between the patient and the dentist or between two dental professionals. This can be done through video conferencing or live chat.
- Asynchronous teledentistry (also known as store-and-forward), on the other hand, involves the collection of clinical information and images that are then forwarded to a dentist or specialist for later assessment.
Benefits
Teledentistry offers several benefits, including increased access to dental care, especially for individuals in remote or underserved areas, cost savings, improved coordination of care among members of a health care team, and patient empowerment.
Challenges
Despite its benefits, teledentistry also faces several challenges, such as issues related to data security, privacy, and the need for technical competence among providers and patients.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Teledentistry
- Wikipedia's article - Teledentistry
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