Telemedicine Awareness Among Chennai-Based Dentists: A Web-Based Questionnaire Survey

TL;DR

This study explores how aware and knowledgeable Chennai-based dentists are about teledentistry and highlights the need for more education and awareness.

Contribution

This is the first study on teledentistry awareness among Chennai dental professionals, revealing significant gaps in knowledge and practice.

Findings

72.2% of dentists in Chennai were aware of teledentistry.

Only 35.6% of dentists practiced teledentistry.

30%-37% of dentists were very concerned about data security and patient consent in teledentistry.

Abstract

Objectives: Teledentistry has emerged as a crucial tool to address oral health needs amidst social distancing measures and lockdowns. Teledentistry during COVID-19 underscores its potential as an adaptive solution, transforming the delivery of dental care and providing a platform for maintaining oral health while prioritizing public safety. The purpose of this study is to investigate the views of Chennai dental professionals on teledentistry, which may serve as a foundation for advancements in patient care and virtual dentistry in the future, and to evaluate awareness, usefulness, and data security regarding telemedicine among Chennai dental professionals using a pretested questionnaire.

Methods: By distributing a pretested web-based questionnaire to licensed dental professionals in Chennai, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The results were statistically analyzed and evaluated.

Results: A total of 90 dentists in Chennai responded to the questionnaire, out of which 65 (72.2%) were aware of teledentistry and 32 (35.6%) practiced teledentistry. Around 25 to 29 (30%-37%) dentists were very much concerned about obtaining patients’ consent, digital forgery, confidentiality, and hardware reliability in teledentistry.

Conclusion: This is the first kind of study ever done among dentists in Chennai, which shows enormous work is required to create awareness and knowledge among dental professionals. To inform dentists and the general public about teledentistry, targeted advertisements pertaining to the same are required.

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