EXPLORING TELEDENTISTRY: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PERCEPTION AMONG INDIAN DENTISTS AND DENTAL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Kanchan Satish Adchitre*, Dr. Satish Maran, Dr. Halaswamy Vishwanath Kambalimath, Dr. Rini Gangwal, Dr. Gopika P. Nair and Dr. Shadma Qureshi

ABSTRACT

Background: Teledentistry leverages telecommunication technology to provide and support dental care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and the transfer of dental information and education. It enables dental professionals to connect with patients virtually, without physical presence, and also improves accessibility to oral healthcare, especially in underserved or remote areas. Recognizing its multifaceted applications, the integration of Teledentistry into dental education emerges as a necessity. As technology enhances, Teledentistry plays a pivotal role in extending dental services reach and enhancing overall oral healthcare delivery. Aim: To investigate dentist's and dental student’s knowledge, practice, awareness, and attitude toward Teledentistry. Methodology: An online questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms to 500 participants, data on socio-demographic information, participant’s knowledge, practice, and attitude toward Teledentistry was collected. Results: This study anticipates notable shifts in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentist and dental students towards Teledentistry, unveils the significance of Teledentistry in various applications in dentistry, and advocates for the integration of Teledentistry in the dental curriculum, to prepare dental students for the adoption of Teledentistry in their future practices. Conclusion: The study highlights the changing dynamics in dentistry, revealing optimistic changes in knowledge and attitudes among dentists and dental students regarding Teledentistry, also supports the incorporation of Teledentistry into dental education for a future-ready and technologically proficient oral healthcare workforce.

Keywords: Teledentistry, Telecommunication, Teleconsultation, Covid-19, Telemedicine, Teletriaging.