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Is Teledentistry a Feasible Alternative for People Who Need Special Care?

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility and acceptability of teledentistry as a vehicle that provides enhanced delivery of oral care for the people who need special care (PNSC).


METHODS
Between January 2018 and September 2020, PNSC who were admitted in the study were either waiting for a follow-up (F) appointment or on a waiting list. An examination via video call was carried out for initial examination (IE) and F purposes. The virtual examination was scored by the clinician who performed the examinations. The experience of the participants was evaluated with a satisfaction questionnaire.


RESULTS
Forty PNSC (26 females, 14 males) between ages 7 and 48 years (21.17 ± 10.62) participated in the study. According to the clinician ratings, the accuracy of the examination was rated as the lowest. The F group had higher scores when compared to the IE group regarding clinician rating. No significant differences were found in terms of the scoring of the clinician and patient/parent satisfaction regarding cooperation status and type of examination (P ≥ 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Through adequate adaptation of the technology into clinical practice and overcoming the barriers for wider implementation, the teledentistry approach could be a reliable and feasible alternative in triaging, treatment planning, and F purposes for PNSC.