Teledentistry is a form of telehealth that is concerned with the delivery of dental care through the use of technology. It permits patients to reach out to dentists by the use of video conferencing, instant messages, or other methods of online communication.
This process has received appreciation as it is convenient to all people other than people living in rural areas or who have no access to dental services. For instance, a dental office in Summerlin may have a provision of teledentistry services so as to be able to attend to clients who cannot physically present at the facility.
As mentioned before, teledentistry does not have to be restricted to the initial consultation and appointment: It can also be used for second consultations and checks. Due to the fact that a number of cases do not require a real-life visit to the dentist, teledentistry is time-saving as well as an efficient method of dental care delivery.
How does Teledentistry Operate for Consultations?
Teledentistry or teleconsultations involve the patient creating an appointment online. As soon as the appointment is made, a patient and a dentist engage through a secure video conference. In this case, the dentist can see the patient and his or her oral cavity, question the patient regarding the symptoms, and advise the patient on what to do.
Sometimes the patient can be asked to send pictures or videos of the teeth or gums for the dentist to first look at before the call. There’s always the chance the situation the dentist is dealing with can be resolved by a physical visit. In minor cases, a dentist may recommend the use of paracetamol for pain, give advice on how to handle teeth, or set another appointment to revisit the subject.
This process is especially useful to people who have challenges accessing dental clinics in terms of their journey since they get professional dental services within the comfort of their homes.
How does Teledentistry enhance the accessibility of care?
Teledentistry enhances access to dental care services especially for those in remote areas since a dentist can remotely consult on the best course of action. For people staying in rural or isolated places, there is a common problem – no easy access to a car if to speak about dental clinics that may stay rather far away.
That is why, through tele dentistry, patients can get a chance to talk to dentists without having to travel long distances. It also serves patients who might be physically challenged, have tight working or family schedules, or other constraints that may prevent them from attending face-to-face visits.
Also, through teledentistry, the patients can be attended to in case of emergencies or situations where it is impossible to go to the clinic physically. Since teledentistry increases access to dental care, it means that many individuals will be attended to, and may contribute to the general improvements in the overall health of individuals’ oral cavities.
Conclusion
The importance of Teledentistry as the essence of shifting towards delivering dental care that is more convenient, cheaper, and accessible cannot be overstated. Undoubtedly, patients get professional dental care through consultations and follow-ups and this can be done remotely without going out. It is not only advantageous to the patient but also advantageous to dental practices, as it may improve the organizational efficiency of the practice and increase its market exposure.
This type of technology continues to advance, teledentistry will continue to feature significantly in the future of dental practice so as to enable all individuals to get the services required irrespective of their geographical location or status.
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