Introduction to telehealth for oral health
Telehealth can enhance oral health care by enabling remote consultations and assessments.
Nearly 58 million people live in designated dental health professional shortage areas with only 32 percent of the need met. This professional shortage exacerbates oral health disparities, leading to higher incidences of dental diseases and fewer treatment options for this population.
Telehealth is a tool that may help increase access to oral health care. Telehealth for oral health care, often called teledentistry, allows patients to receive preliminary evaluations, follow-up care, and education about oral hygiene practices without the need to visit a clinic in person. Teledentistry can also be used to triage potential acute infections as well as assess dental and craniofacial trauma for emergency care or follow-up treatment. Through video calls, photographs, and digital scanning, dentists can diagnose issues, monitor ongoing treatments, and provide guidance on preventive measures. Additionally, telehealth can potentially aid in the management of oral related chronic conditions, providing convenience and potentially lessening the need for frequent in-person appointments.
This best practice guide provides detailed information and resources on how to use teledentistry.
