Abstract
BackgroundTeledentistry is believed to improve dentalcare provided to patients and time management efficiency. In addition, teledentistry can be a useful tool for peer education, consultations and ensures proper channeling for referrals.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore Saudi Arabian dental professionals' perceptions of teledentistry's benefits in improving dental practice and patient care.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study involving an electronic survey of a sample of Saudi Arabian dental professionals. A validated 26-item, 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire was used to assess perceptions of dental professionals in four domains: usefulness of teledentistry for patients, the usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice; the potential of teledentistry to improve practice; and existing concerns about the use of teledentistry. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis using SPSS software. Significant differences were considered at a p-value of 0.05.ResultsWith an overall response rate of 28.6%, 286 dental professionals participated in the study. More than 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that teledentistry would improve dental practice through enhancing communication with peers, guidance and referral of new patients. A substantial proportion of respondents (60–70%) expressed uncertainty with technical reliability, privacy and diagnostic accuracy. The participants' qualification was statistically significant with usefulness of teledentistry for patients (p = 0.027), while work experience in years was statistically significant with both usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice and patients (p = 0.046 and <0.0001 respectively).ConclusionGenerally, the feedback gained by this study showed readiness of the dental professionals to be engaged in the teledentistry approach. Further investigation of the business model of teledentistry is needed to understand the readiness and challenges. Directed campaign to educate dentists and the public of the technology and it is potential is necessary.
Highlights
Tele-technology has received more attention in the last decade in both medical and dental fields with the potential of an easy, fast, and safe way to deliver and share health information. [1,2,3] Teledentistry is believed to improve dental care provided to patients as well as time management
This study aimed to explore Saudi Arabian dental professionals’ perceptions of teledentistry’s benefits in improving dental practice and patient care
A descriptive cross-sectional study involving an electronic survey of a sample of Saudi Arabian dental professionals
Summary
Tele-technology has received more attention in the last decade in both medical and dental fields with the potential of an easy, fast, and safe way to deliver and share health information. [1,2,3] Teledentistry is believed to improve dental care provided to patients as well as time management. [1,2,3] Teledentistry is believed to improve dental care provided to patients as well as time management It facilitates better referral systems based on patient’s needs, decision-making, reduced waiting lists, and consultation time. [11] Estai et al assessed the perception of Australian dentists on the use of teledentistry They stated that most dentists (80%) reported positivity regarding teledentistry and the benefits gained from implementing the technology. [13] The perception from the patient’s aspect was explored by Donelan et al, who found that more than 60% of patients reported no difference in the overall quality of the visit between virtual and conventional face-to-face They stated that patient convenience was enhanced by using telemedicine for follow-up and care. Editor: Frederic Denis, Centre Hospitalier Regional Universitaire de Tours, FRANCE
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