TELEDENTISTRY IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: BRIDGING THE URBAN RURAL GAP IN INDIA- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Mohamad Arshid Khanday*, Dr. Nazia Lone and Dr. Mohsin Sidiq

ABSTRACT

Background: Teleadaptation arises as a complement to behavior management in response to physical and dental environment restrictions imposed by the current pandemic. Delivering oral health care to the remote areas is challenging due to lack of access of pediatric dentist in rural areas. Access to broadband internet and mobile devices can remove these geographical barriers and help to bridge this gap. Methodology: This short observational study was designed with the aim to: Observe the feasibility of using teledentistry for oral examination, consultation and education of 6-10yearold children by screening of children with intraoral camera and transferring of data to pediatric dentist. Results: Children were comfortable with the use of intraoral camera and having a dental consultation through a digital device. 78 percentchildren found it better than going for a regular dental visit. Discussion: The current study seeks to take advantage of mobile technology to acquire dental images from a child’s mouth at remote areas and transfer the information electronically to an offsite dental practitioner to assess and prepare dental recommendations. Such an approach will help to prioritise high-risk children and provide them with a quick treatment pathway and avoid unnecessary referrals or travel. Conclusion: As virtual reality has taken forefront due to the COVID pandemic across the globe, teledentistry has the ability to open a new frontier for providing basic consultation for oral problems in the neglected rural child population.

Keywords: Teledentistry, Telecommunication, oral health status, telehealth.