Abstract
The present survey assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of teledentistry (TD) among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted with dental interns and practicing dentists in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was sent to all potential respondents. Questions related to knowledge, practice, attitudes, and training regarding TD were presented. A total of 603 (227 dental interns, 376 practicing dentists) completed the questionnaire. Generally, the participants revealed poor knowledge and practice of TD, with only 38% having heard about TD and only one-quarter of the sample (23.2%) reporting practicing TD at their current workplace. However, most of the participants expressed positive attitudes and a willingness to practice TD in the future. Specialists and those in practice for >5 years showed significantly better knowledge and practice of TD than general dentists and those with lesser clinical experience (p < 0.01). While only one-fifth of the participants (20.2%) reported having attended a workshop/lecture about TD, the majority (69.7%) felt that they needed training on TD. The results revealed poor knowledge, practice, and training with regard to TD among practicing dentists in Saudi Arabia. However, the positive attitude expressed by most of the participants towards practicing TD in the future is an encouraging sign for dental educators and planners of oral health care. Continuous education through periodic workshops and training courses on TD is crucial to improve dentists’ knowledge, practice, and attitudes towards TD. Integration of TD topics into undergraduate/postgraduate curricula is highly recommended. Special attention should be directed to training general dental practitioners and junior dentists.
Highlights
Teledentistry (TD) has emerged as an important communication tool in dental practice [1]
The purpose of the study was explained, and the targeted dentists were contacted in person and invited to participate
The majority (85%) were Saudis, 71% had been in practice for 5 years or less, and 46% came from the central region of Saudi Arabia
Summary
Teledentistry (TD) has emerged as an important communication tool in dental practice [1]. It involves remote communication between dentists and patients using information technology means such as smartphones, Internet, video calls, and social media channels [1,2]. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies found that TD was a very effective means for oral health improvement in terms of prevention and promotion [7]. Another systematic review of 10 studies indicated that TD can successfully be implemented in the diagnosis and detection of dental caries [8]. TD is an opportunity for peer education and consultation through video conferencing, facilitating better dental care for patients [2]
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