Program Models
Teledentistry, as a subset of telemedicine, utilizes technology for managing dental consultations, remote supervision, and dental emergencies and is the future of oral health. The American Dental Association explains that teledentistry can include, but is not limited to, synchronous and asynchronous care, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health). This technology offers the ability to provide one-on-one patient education to the patient without the patient leaving their home. Increasing public health awareness in a digital environment can be more practical and interactive, improving retention.
Selecting Delivery Methods
Utilizing asynchronous technology, digital images and notes can be transmitted using technology for the provider to review later (American Dental Association, 2023). For instance, hygienists can perform oral hygiene appointments without the dentist being present by utilizing remote supervision. Once the hygiene appointment is complete, they can store and forward the information to the provider for review and treatment planning. Asynchronous teledentistry offers provider flexibility and increases access to dental care. The cost for this technology consists of but is not limited to, an intraoral camera, laptop computer, mobile chairs (for the provider, staff, and patient), and a portable dental unit containing air, water, suction, and drainage.
Synchronous teledentistry utilizes audiovisual telecommunications to facilitate real-time interaction between the dental provider and the patient (American Dental Association, 2023). It is like joining a web conference. The patient, provider, hygienist, and even the patient’s caregiver can join the call. Synchronous teledentistry offers face-to-face interaction with patients, encouraging a patient-provider relationship without the patient leaving their home. The downside of any teledentistry visit is that an oral health provider cannot physically examine a patient during a synchronous visit, which is a limitation. The cost for this technology consists of a computer with a webcam and microphone, an intraoral camera or smartphone, internet access, and a subscription to a communication platform.
*Pearl: Ensure that your platform is HIPAA compliant for patient privacy.
Mobile teledentistry is employed when delivering or receiving dental care using portable dental equipment and mobile dental vans. Any dental service, whether comprehensive or preventative, that occurs outside of a brick-and-mortar building is considered mobile dentistry. Mobile teledentistry brings your dental services to your patients. The cost of this technology is more extensive than synchronous and asynchronous and can be a limiting factor. A mode of transportation (e.g., van), laptop, intraoral camera, portable x-ray unit with sensor, portable dental unit, and mobile chairs are required.
- Teledentistry Guide to Understanding and Documenting Teledentistry Events (ADA, updated 1/2023) The use of D9995 and D9996 and their distinctions can be challenging for those new to the teledentistry world. The ADA guide provides questions, scenarios, and appendices for insight to providers and reporting their care
- Guidance Document for Patient Assessment via Synchronous Teledentistry (Mouthwatch) The guide provides consideration for both patients and providers on how to set up their materials and exam workflow to ensure a successful and positive teledentistry experience.
- Patient Assessment via Synchronous Teledentistry: Clinical Techniques Overview with Dr. Scott Howell (Webinar) The video webinar accompanies the above guideline produced by MouthWatch.
- Teledentistry and Mobile Dentistry: A Perfect Match (Mouthwatch) The use of teledentistry alongside mobile dentistry offers a promising method to expand patient reach and capacity for long-standing mobile endeavors
- Motivational interviewing for the dental team teledentistry, for all of its benefits, can have drawbacks when connecting with patients due to the separation of a screen. Motivational interviewing is one tool you can use to connect with your patients and ensure a higher success rate for oral health goals.
- Teledentistry Platform options Catalyst, Created March 2020 The options around teledentistry platforms continue to expand as more providers utilize forms of telehealth. Here’s a list of just a few that oral health providers can utilize, with the understanding that each clinic will have unique needs for their choice of platform.
- HIPAA, FERPA, and School Health: Confidentiality and Information Sharing in School-Based Health Care Navigating confidentiality and privacy laws can seem complicated when collaborating across systems for the first time. Check out the School-Based Health Alliances guidance document on best practices around information sharing.
- What will patients ask you about teledentistry? What will they want from your teledentistry platform? (Mouthwatch) Patients must also be considered when choosing a platform to host telehealth sessions. Mouthwatch created a guide to potential questions when discussing telehealth options with clients.
- Preparing for a child’s teledentistry visit (Cavity Free S.F.) Talking about telehealth and oral health with children can be supported by these interactive and child-friendly videos provided by Cavity Free S.F.