Role of teledentistry in paediatric dentistry

Abstract

Introduction As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry has been used more frequently due to social distancing regulations to minimise the need for face-to-face attendances. Aims Evaluate uses of teledentistry within Newcastle Dental Hospital's Paediatric Dentistry New Patient Service. Establishes potential roles of teledentistry within paediatric dentistry and advantages and disadvantages of this service method. Methods Service evaluation of 653 new patient teledentistry appointments at Newcastle Dental Hospital across a one-month period (13 May- 12 June 2020). Discussion By implementing a telephone consultation as the first point of contact with our team, we were able to reduce the number of face-to-face appointments required by over a third. Teledentistry can be used for numerous applications within paediatric dentistry including initial triage, remote assessment, reinforcement of prevention, implementing initial management and building rapport. Conclusion Teledentistry is an emerging field and has the potential to improve patient journeys, reduce waiting lists and reduce unnecessary face-to-face attendances which is especially important both within and beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic to maximise safety and minimise inconvenience for both parent and child. However, care must be taken to ensure a clinician is confident in their diagnosis prior to discharging or delaying management of a patient.