Teledentistry for Development of Dental Health Service System

Abstract

Oral health problem is one of the common health issues in Thai population. Majority of people attended dentists only when symptoms had occurred. Application of teledentistry as a part of dental services will be able to increase access to dental care. This article aimed to review the definition, methods of communication, requirements for teledentistry, dental applications, benefit and outcome of teledentistry. The results of the literature review were as follows: there are two common methods take place in teledentistry, Real-time (synchronous) and Store and forward (asynchronous) methods. The Real-time consultationinvolves communicationviavideoconference. The Store andforward methodinvolves the transferofpatient’s informationandundertakenimages via secured online platform to specialists or dental practitioners for diagnosis and treatment planning. Teledentistry has been used among developed countries in various dental practices especially for oral screening and oral risk assessment in order to provide individual-based promotion and prevention program. This approach can also reduce waiting times and congestion in dental settings for non-urgent cases or issues. In addition, this article included suggestions of establishingteledentistryin Thailandfororalhealthstatus andoral lesionscreeningandconsultation for emergencies. The model of practitioner payment for teledentistry services should also be included in further study.

Key words : teledentistry, telecommunication in dentistry