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Dentist perceptions about the value of teledentistry

Dentist perceptions about the value of teledentistry

Authors :
Tamanna, Tiwari
Vuong, Diep
Eric, Tranby
Madhuli, Thakkar-Samtani
Julie, Frantsve-Hawley
Source :
BMC Oral Health. 22
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2022.

Abstract

Background Teledentistry has expanded access to oral health care by allowing patients and providers the option to receive care using technology and telecommunications. This study used a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design to evaluate dentists’ perceptions in the United States and understanding of the value and scope of teledentistry in their practices and to adopt virtual encounters as a care delivery methodology. Methods This study used a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design. The DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement (now CareQuest Institute for Oral Health) conducted an electronic survey of providers in the DentaQuest Network that assessed the impact of COVID-19 on dental practices' patient volume, staffing, dental insurance carriers, treatment protocols, and the office's pre-and post-COVID finances. A total of 2767 dental providers completed the survey with a response rate of 13%. Qualitative interviews were then conducted with ten providers to get more in-depth information on teledentistry. Descriptive statistics summarize the survey population. Thematic analysis, which allows both deductive and inductive approaches, were used to analyze the interviews. Results About 23% of the dentists used teledentistry or virtual platforms. Findings illustrate that early adopter dentists were more likely to perceive the benefits of teledentistry as being more significant than its drawbacks. Late/resistant adopters to teledentistry were less aware of its benefits and were more focused on the drawbacks, such as upfront cost. Late adopters were also concerned about the level of care delivered through teledentistry. Conclusions This study explored dentists’ perceptions of teledentistry. Expanding access to care was recognized as one of the greater values of teledentistry.

Details

ISSN :
14726831
Volume :
22
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
BMC Oral Health
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....7013969b1d705ddeca7358a6327dbff6
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-022-02208-z