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ISSN 2063-5346
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THE ROLE OF TELE-DENTISTRY IN EXPANDING ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE

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Alaa Abdulhamid Khojah, Faris Helal Alharbi, Mohammed Abdullah Alqahtani, Najeeb Muflih Alqahtani, Ali Mohammed Alfareh, Faisal Abdulrahman Alkharisi, Raed Abdullah Alshahrani, Ali Abdullah Alshamrani, Khozam Mohammad Alshahrani, Wael Hisham Rajkhan
» doi: 10.53555/ecb/2023.12.11.81

Abstract

Dental care is of paramount importance for overall health, contributing not only to the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums but also playing a pivotal role in preventing systemic diseases, enhancing quality of life, and bolstering confidence and social well-being. However, access to dental care poses a critical challenge, particularly exacerbated by economic factors where a considerable number of individuals lack dental insurance coverage or face financial constraints hindering timely and preventive dental care. In response to these challenges, tele-dentistry emerges as a promising and efficient solution. By harnessing technology, tele-dentistry bridges gaps in dental care accessibility. Through virtual consultations and remote monitoring, individuals residing in underserved or remote areas gain access to timely advice, preventive care, and emergency triage without necessitating physical visits to a dental clinic. The rationale for delving into the subject of tele-dentistry lies in the persistent global challenges associated with oral health disparities and limited access to dental services. This review article seeks to analyze existing literature, exploring the impact of tele-dentistry on accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and preventive care. The synthesis of findings aims to offer insights into the potential of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and tele-dental education in overcoming barriers to dental care. Initiated on February 27th, 2024, this review article stems from a meticulous examination of current academic literature. A comprehensive literature review, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane, employed diverse combinations of medical terminology. Manual searches on Google Scholar complemented these efforts to identify pertinent research terms. In conclusion, tele-dentistry stands as a transformative solution, addressing geographical, economic, and logistical barriers to make oral health services more inclusive. The ongoing advancement of technology positions tele-dentistry as a catalyst for revolutionizing oral healthcare, emphasizing preventive measures and ensuring diverse populations receive timely and quality dental services, thereby fostering a more equitable and accessible dental care landscape.

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