Feasibility assessment for using telehealth technology among dentists and general population in Satara district, Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: In this era of modern medicine, teledentistry has been constantly changing with the advent of information and technology. Teledentistry is a part of telemedicine. Teledentistry has many branches such as telestomatology, teleradiology, telepathology, tele oral surgery, and teleorthodontics. Teledentistry uses information technologies and communication system to deliver health-care services to people. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among the all dental specialist and people related to dental health service of Satara district. Respondents were given a brief introduction to the purpose of survey in an electronic format (dentist) and physical format (general population). Bulk of questions were focused on two domains (1) need for telehealth technology (2) interest in using telehealth technology for dental care delivery. The Collected information is subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The Chi-square test was used to test the association of variables for dentists and general population. Results: Results showed great need of telehealth technology to overcome the obstacle in providing sufficient oral health services to the rural and underserved population as well as positive response from the dentist toward teledentistry. Out of 196 general population and 60 dentists, it is not easy for 67% general population to visit dentist due to difficulty of basic transportation services. Moreover, 56% people have no access to dentist only. 80% of dentist is willing to participate in teledentistry program if it ever comes and 83.33% dentists think it can improve overall efficiency of dental health-care services. Conclusion: Unwillingness and attitude among local dental practitioners can be changed through increasing scope of education regarding teledentistry at the central government level through preparing legislation.

Keywords

• dentists
• rural population
• teledentistry
• telemedicine