Published online: 2020-12-31

THIEME
S116 Teledentistry
Original during COVID-19 Pandemic  Abbas et al.
Article

Role of Teledentistry in COVID-19 Pandemic:

A Nationwide Comparative Analysis among Dental
Professionals
Beenish Abbas1  Mehreen Wajahat2  Zakia Saleem3  Eisha Imran4  Mehvish Sajjad5 
Zohaib Khurshid6,

1 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Foundation University, College Address for correspondence Mehreen Wajahat, BDS, MPhil,
of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan Department of Dental Materials, Avicenna Dental College,
2 Department of Dental Materials, Avicenna Dental College, Lahore 54810, Pakistan (e-mail: [email protected]).
Lahore, Pakistan
3 Department of Dental Education, University College of Dentistry,
Lahore, Pakistan
4 Department of Dental Materials, Dental College, HITEC-Institute of
Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
5 Department of Dental Materials, Avicenna Dental College,
Lahore, Pakistan
6 Department of Prosthodontics and Dental Implantology, College
of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

 Eur J Dent:2020;14(suppl S1):S116–S122

Abstract Objectives  To assess knowledge, awareness, and practice of health care workers
about the role of teledentistry in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Materials and Methods  A prevalidated structured questionnaire was used to eval-
uate awareness of general dentists, postgraduate dental students, dental educators,
and consultants with postgraduation degrees toward teledentistry. The acceptability,
reliability, and language clarity were also pretested. A total of 510 dental professionals
contributed to this study.
Statistical Analysis  A statistical analysis using SPSS (version 20.0) was performed.
Responses were noted as yes or no. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be signifi-
cant. Frequencies described data. Chi-square test was performed for intergroup com-
parison to evaluate if the knowledge and attitude diverge with the increase in the level
of seniority in the profession.
Results Awareness regarding teledentistry is high among general dentists with
bachelor of dental surgery qualification in comparison to final-year students and post-
graduate dental students. The majority of participants agreed with improvement in
Keywords health care (88.20%), access to rural areas (82.90%), and general practicing dentist
►►teledentistry agreed with statistically significant difference (0.00) on saving time by teledentistry.
►►pandemic Conclusion  General practicing dentist was observed with high awareness of teleden-
►►COVID-19 tistry as compared with postgraduate and undergraduate dental students.

DOI https://doi.org/ © 2020. European Journal of Dentistry.

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 Teledentistry during COVID-19 Pandemic  Abbas et al. S117

Introduction social distancing while still not compromising patient’s

care.6 Organizations and health care systems worldwide are
Teledentistry is defined as providing dental care, advice, and switching to e-health care technologies as a crucial ally to
treatment remotely by making use of telecommunication deal with this pandemic and widen the coverage of health
technology to avoid direct personal contact with patients. facilities, limiting unnecessary visits realizing the serious-
The use of teledentistry is already established within disci- ness of situation. Teledentistry makes use of technology
plines of oral surgery, oral medicine, periodontal conditions, to enable healing at a distance while exercising social dis-
early detection of caries, and most importantly spreading tancing. Data privacy, adequate training, and access to the
preventive advice to masses. Telediagnosis, teleconsultation, internet are essential requirements to engage in this initia-
patient’s electronic records, and electronic patient referrals tive of teledentistry.7 Reported benefits of teledentistry are
are some of the key modes used in modern day dental prac- increased access, minimal cost, reduced stress of transporta-
tice.1 Teledentistry is not limited by time and space can be tion, and easy access to specialist practice. Most urgent cases
used to provide interactive access to specialist opinion in a that need immediate attention can be tackled using commu-
less intimidating way to provide advice about treatment by nity health care programs.8 In the current pandemic, most
making the use of telecommunication and information tech- health care workers are unable to provide sustainable dental
nology over a distance. Photographs, video images, data, his- care to all patients without risking the spread of disease due
tory, and records can be shared between participants who to a reduction in workforce and limitation of resources. We
are physically separated for a reason.2 To reduce the bur- propose a paradigm shift to creating a virtual e-dentistry
den on frontliners and to flatten the curve of coronavirus program through the introduction of user-friendly technol-
disease 2019 (COVID-19), guidelines have been issued by ogy to provide an effective foundation for sustainable dental
American Dental Association (ADA). These guidelines state care while prioritizing risk reduction for both patient and
that all nonemergency oral health care facilities should be dentist.9 According to a recent systematic review, teleden-
postponed and only emergency care is to be provided, for tistry is a valid tool comparable with face-to-face oral identi-
example, conditions such as uncontrolled bleeding, cellu- fication of disease, accurate diagnosis, and teleconsultations.
litis, and trauma to facial bones that compromises the air- Electronic specialist referrals are possible without putting
way (Teledentistry update: navigating teledentistry during undue strain on frontliners.10
the COVID-19 pandemic (United States). Healthcare Alert, Worldwide adoption of virtual dental practices and tele-
COVID-19 Alert March 27, 2020, by Russell Sass, Adriana phonic consultations will limit overcrowding of emergency
Valldejuly, and Summer Galitz). ADA advised dentists world- services, potentially limiting burden on health care systems.
wide to make use of teledentistry to limit COVID-19 spread These measures if adopted wisely can prevent exposure of
and audiovisual telecommunication technology can be used health care workers and patients to COVID-19 and asymp-
to share live video between patient and health care worker. tomatic carriers. Services of high-risk staff who are immu-
Health information (e.g., patient’s radiographs, photographs, nocompromised, old, or pregnant can be utilized as they can
digital impressions, etc.) can be shared through a secure elec- work remotely.11 Live real-time video consultations can be
tronic communication system to a health care practitioner. utilized to diagnose intraoral and extraoral soft tissue swell-
A dentist can deliver advice based on patients’ information ing, mobile teeth, periodontal problems, and grossly carious
without real-time live contact.3 dentition to make a reliable diagnosis. Image quality, lighting,
A protective physical barrier can be created, making use internet connection, and patient’s technology literacy are
of teledentistry in COVID-19 surge, a screening protocol can important factors required to be considered.12
be established where practitioner can conduct the audiovi-
sual examination on a stable patient via video conferencing.
Implementation of such programs can be an efficient and
Materials and Methods
cost-effective way to ensure the safety of patient and clinician
during the pandemic. This strategy can be helpful in lifting This cross-sectional survey was performed among dental
strain from health care facilities.4 Teledentistry can be useful professionals to assess the knowledge, awareness, and prac-
to tackle the issue of uneven distribution of specialist health tice of teledentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental
care providers. Patient-centered services can be provided to professionals from all over the country (Pakistan) partici-
underprivileged communities and oral health-related infor- pated in this digital survey which was designed in English.
mation can be disseminated effectively using teledentistry. Those who were unwilling to participate did not take this
Collaboration and peer-to-peer distant learning is crucial to survey. A prevalidated structured questionnaire was utilized
meet ever increasing knowledge advancements in various for this purpose.13 The acceptability, reliability, and language
disciplines of dentistry and telecommunication technology clarity were pretested. A total of 510 dental professionals
can be relied upon in this regard.5 contributed to this study. Dental professionals included gen-
Recent COVID-19 pandemic has identified the need eral dentists, postgraduate dental students, dental educators,
to use virtual encounter functions that have been under- and consultants with postgraduation degrees.
utilized. There is need of time to expand electronic medical Ethical Review Board of University College of Dentistry,
record systems and to spread awareness among health care University of Lahore reviewed and provided the scientific
providers to bring teledentistry in practice so as to exercise and ethical approval for carrying out the present research.

European Journal of Dentistry Vol. 14 No. S1/2020 © 2020. European Journal of Dentistry.
S118 Teledentistry during COVID-19 Pandemic  Abbas et al.

Participants were given plentiful time to fill the question- technique; 53.50% dentists reported that teledentistry helps
naire. This participation on voluntary grounds was consid- provide a good understanding of patient’s oral health prob-
ered as informed consent of each participant to this study. lem over the Internet. As per 67.60% dentists, teledentistry
Confidentiality of each participant was maintained. is a source of reducing specialist’s isolation by providing
Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. peer contact and specialist report; 52.40% dentists agreed
Responses after getting information on the level of seniority upon teledentistry as the convenient type of oral health
were recorded as yes or no. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was consid- care delivery for making dental examination easier; 62.90%
ered to be significant. The data were described in frequencies. dentists negated that teledentistry helps monitor patient’s
Chi-square test was performed for intergroup comparison condition thoroughly. Teledentistry provides 75.30% dentists
to evaluate if the knowledge and attitude diverge with the reported the platform of expert consultation; 55.30% dentists
increase in the level of seniority in the profession. responded negatively regarding the difficulties of Internet-
Considering limitations to this study, the researcher stum- related equipment usage; 61.20% dentists said that the risk of
bled upon the problem in obtaining the required number of data entry mistakes related to teledentistry is unavoidable;
responses. Since this study included dental professionals 73.50% dentists reported that teledentistry is a more natural
from all across the country, ethical approval from all the way to contact the patient (►Table 1).
institutions was not achievable. Moreover, to explore the comparison of qualification with
perception of teledentistry benefits, chi-square test was
applied which showed significant difference. Total 35.9%
Results
dentists (BDS), 7.1% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 18.2% dentists
Qualification was taken as a demographic variable. Percentage (BDS + postgraduate trainee), 4.1% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD),
of each category was calculated. According to that percent- and 7.1% dentists (final-year students) were familiar with
age, participants with bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) as the term teledentistry (chi-square test = 58.06, p < 0.001).
qualification were 57.6%, participants with master of philos-
ophy (MPhil)/membership college of physicians (MCPS) as
Table 1  Opinion of dentists about teledentistry in response
qualification were 8.2%, participants with the qualification of
percentage
BDS with postgraduate training continued were 18.8%, par-
Statements Yes No
ticipants with fellowship college of physicians and surgeons
(FCPS)/master of dental surgery (MDS)/doctor of philosophy Have you heard about teledentistry 72.40% 27.60%
(PhD) were 4.1%, and students of BDS final year were 11.2%, Can teledentistry really help in health 76.50% 23.50%
as shown in ►Fig. 1. education
On asking about the familiarity of dentists with the word Can teledentistry be applied in every branch 35.90% 64.10%
teledentistry, 72.40% responded positively and 76.0% reported of dentistry
that teledentistry could really be a great help in health educa- Can teledentistry be useful in improving 88.20% 11.80%
tion. As per 35.90% dentists’ opinion, teledentistry could be access to oral health care
applied in every branch of dentistry, whereas the majority of Your opinion about teledentistry as violating 24.10% 75.90%
patient’s privacy
dentists negated this statement (64.10%). According to 88.20%
of participants, teledentistry could be useful in improving Does teledentistry increase accessibility 82.90% 17.10%
of specialists to rural and underserved
access to oral health care; 75.90% dentists’ opinion about
communities for their dental needs
teledentistry as violating patient’s privacy was negative;
Is teledentistry a time-saving technique 84.10% 15.90%
84.10% dentists believed that teledentistry is a time-saving
Is teledentistry helpful in providing good 53.50% 46.50%
understanding of patient’s oral health
problem over Internet
Can teledentistry reduce isolation of 67.60% 32.40%
specialist by providing peer contact and
specialist report
Is teledentistry a convenient type of oral 52.40% 47.60%
health care delivery for making dental
examination easier
Does teledentistry help monitoring 37.10% 62.90%
patient’s condition well
Does teledentistry provide platform of 75.30% 24.70%
expert consultation
Do you face difficulties in Internet-related 44.70% 55.30%
equipment usage
Is there any risk of data entry mistakes 61.20% 38.80%
Fig. 1  Qualification of participants. BDS, bachelor of dental surgery; related to teledentistry
FCPS, fellowship college of physicians and surgeons; MCPS, mem-
Is it easier to contact patient via 73.50% 26.50%
bership college of physicians; MDS, master of dental surgery; MPhil,
teledentistry
master of philosophy; PhD, doctor of philosophy.

European Journal of Dentistry Vol. 14 No. S1/2020 © 2020. European Journal of Dentistry.
 Teledentistry during COVID-19 Pandemic  Abbas et al. S119

Positive responses were shown by 41.2% dentists (BDS), 6.5% (final-year students), they face difficulties of Internet-related
dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 16.5% dentists (BDS + postgraduate equipment usage (chi-square test = 22.37, p < 0.001). Total
trainee), 4.1% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 8.2% dentists 39.4% dentists (BDS), 2.9% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 8.8% den-
(final-year students) about teledentistry as a supporting tists (BDS + postgraduate trainee), 1.8% dentists (FCPS/MDS/
technique for health education (chi-square test = 17.45, PhD), and 8.2% dentists (final-year students) showed their
p < 0.001). Total 21.2% (BDS), 2.4% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), concerns about data entry mistakes related to teledentistry
4.7% dentists (BDS + postgraduate trainee), 3.5% den- (chi-square test = 32.85, p < 0.001). Teledentistry makes
tists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 4.1% dentists (final-year stu- patient’s contact easier was favored by 42.4% dentists (BDS),
dents) supported the statement that teledentistry could be 6.5% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 12.4% dentists (BDS + postgrad-
applied in every branch of dentistry (chi-square test = 28.70, uate trainee), 4.1% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 8.2% den-
p < 0.001). Positive responses were reported by 51.8% den- tists (final-year students) (chi-square test = 11.19, p < 0.02)
tists (BDS), 6.5% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 16.5% dentists (►Table 2).
(BDS + postgraduate trainee), 4.1% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD),
and 9.4% dentists (final-year students) about teledentistry
Discussion
as a useful technique in improving access to oral health care
(chi-square test = 8.21, p = 0.08). Total 15.9% dentists (BDS), COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive disruptions in
2.4% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 2.4% dentists (BDS + postgradu- the field of health care, while dentistry is considered as one of
ate trainee), 1.2% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 2.4% dentists very risky professions in present circumstances. Aerosols and
(final-year students) perceived that teledentistry implemen- droplets being the main source of transmission enhance the
tation is about violating patient’s privacy (chi-square test chance of infection for dental practitioners. A cross-sectional
= 9.94, p < 0.04). Total 48.2% dentists (BDS), 6.5% dentists study with participants from around the globe reported the
(MPhil/MCPS), 15.3% dentists (BDS + postgraduate trainee), fear and anxiety among dental practitioners due to ongoing
3.5% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 9.4% dentists (final-year pandemic.14-16 A web-based survey showed negative influ-
students) reported that teledentistry increases accessibility ence of COVID-19 pandemic on dental clinical routine due to
of specialists to rural and underserved communities for their closure of offices.17 On the other hand, disruption of patient
dental needs (chi-square test = 1.05, p = 0.90). Total 51.8% care cannot be paused as it will result in the increase of den-
dentists (BDS), 6.5% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 14.1% dentists tal diseases. It indicates the need to utilize the safest way to
(BDS + postgraduate trainee), 3.5% dentists (FCPS/MDS/ ensure the provision of dental care in the pandemic.18
PhD), and 8.2% dentists (final-year students) reported that Teledentistry in the present time of COVID-19 is the only
teledentistry is a time-saving technique (chi-square test = most reliable way to provide consultation to patients which
18.72, p < 0.001). Teledentistry is helpful in providing good require communication using technology. Significance of
understanding of patient’s oral health problem over Internet teledentistry has also been highlighted in the literature.
was favored by 31.8% dentists (BDS), 5.9% dentists (MPhil/ Communication for teleconsultation can be made via appli-
MCPS), 6.5% dentists (BDS + postgraduate trainee), 3.5% den- cations for instant messaging or video calling. Consultation
tists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 5.9% dentists (final-year students) via WhatsApp has been reported as a beneficial option
(chi-square test = 28.64, p < 0.001). According to 39.4% den- for teledentistry.19 Teledentistry is a mean of avoiding
tists (BDS), 3.5% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 11.8% dentists (BDS person-to-person contact while satisfying the requirement
+ postgraduate trainee), 4.1% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and of social distancing by facilitating remote dental care, patient
8.8% dentists (final-year students), teledentistry can reduce education, and guidance which is advocated by health care
isolation of specialist by providing peer contact and spe- authorities across the globe.Teledentistry has various sub-
cialist report (chi-square test = 26.39, p < 0.001). According units such as teleconsultation, telediagnosis, telemonitoring,
to 31.8% dentists (BDS), 4.1% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 7.1% and teletriage. Teleconsultation helps in reducing nonurgent
dentists (BDS + postgraduate trainee), 2.9% dentists (FCPS/ patient referrals and reduces burden on busy health care
MDS/PhD), and 6.5% dentists (final-year students), teleden- facilities. Telediagnosis makes use of technology to exchange
tistry is a convenient type of oral health care delivery for patient records, intraoral images, and radiographic images
making dental examination easier (chi-square test = 13.23, to diagnose oral pathologies remotely.20 Teletriage prioritizes
p < 0.01). According to 21.2% dentists (BDS), 3.5% dentists patients requiring urgent dental care by doing remote assess-
(MPhil/MCPS), 6.5% dentists (BDS + postgraduate trainee), ment of oral health reducing the need of unnecessary travel
3.5% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 2.4% dentists (final-year keeping in view socioeconomic and geographical difficul-
students), teledentistry helps monitoring patient’s condi- ties.21 The dental practitioner can have safe access to patients
tion well (chi-square test = 28.48, p < 0.001). According to by using the technology for consultation and management of
43.5% dentists (BDS), 5.3% dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 13.5% some dental issues.22 A literature review also indicates useful
dentists (BDS + postgraduate trainee), 3.5% dentists (FCPS/ application of teledentistry in various branches of dentistry
MDS/PhD), and 9.4% dentists (final-year students), teleden- that is, field of oral medicine and diagnosis, oral and maxillofa-
tistry provides platform of expert consultation (chi-square cial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, peri-
test = 7.00, p = 0.13). According to 27.6% dentists (BDS), 1.8% odontics, periodontics, pediatric, and preventive dentistry.23
dentists (MPhil/MCPS), 8.2% dentists (BDS + postgraduate The present study performed in Pakistan was meant
trainee), 0.6% dentists (FCPS/MDS/PhD), and 6.5% dentists to survey and compare the perceptions of general dentist,

European Journal of Dentistry Vol. 14 No. S1/2020 © 2020. European Journal of Dentistry.
S120 Teledentistry during COVID-19 Pandemic  Abbas et al.

Table 2  Qualification wise difference in terms of teledentistry conceptualization

Statements Last degree Chi-square Significance
BDS MPhil/ BDS + FCPS/MDS/ Final-year test
MCPS postgraduate PhD students
trainee
Have you heard about Yes 35.9% 7.1% 18.2% 4.1% 7.1% 58.06 0.00
teledentistry
No 21.8% 1.2% 0.6% 0.0% 4.1%
Can teledentistry really help Yes 41.2% 6.5% 16.5% 4.1% 8.2% 17.45 0.00
in health education
No 16.5% 1.8% 2.4% 0.0% 2.9%
Can teledentistry be applied Yes 21.2% 2.4% 4.7% 3.5% 4.1% 28.70 0.00
in every branch of dentistry
No 36.5% 5.9% 14.1% 0.6% 7.1%
Can teledentistry be useful Yes 51.8% 6.5% 16.5% 4.1% 9.4% 8.21 0.08
in improving access to oral
No 5.9% 1.8% 2.4% 0.0% 1.8%
health care
Your opinion about Yes 15.9% 2.4% 2.4% 1.2% 2.4% 9.94 0.04
teledentistry as violating
No 41.8% 5.9% 16.5% 2.9% 8.8%
patient’s privacy
Does teledentistry increase Yes 48.2% 6.5% 15.3% 3.5% 9.4% 1.05 0.90
accessibility of specialists
No 9.4% 1.8% 3.5% 0.6% 1.8%
to rural and underserved
communities for their dental
needs
Is teledentistry a time-saving Yes 51.8% 6.5% 14.1% 3.5% 8.2% 18.72 0.00
technique
No 5.9% 1.8% 4.7% 0.6% 2.9%
Is teledentistry helpful Yes 31.8% 5.9% 6.5% 3.5% 5.9% 28.64 0.00
in providing good
No 25.9% 2.4% 12.4% 0.6% 5.3%
understanding of patient’s
oral health problem over
Internet
Can teledentistry reduce Yes 39.4% 3.5% 11.8% 4.1% 8.8% 26.39 0.00
isolation of specialist by
No 18.2% 4.7% 7.1% 0.0% 2.4%
providing peer contact and
specialist report
Is teledentistry a convenient Yes 31.8% 4.1% 7.1% 2.9% 6.5% 13.23 0.01
type of oral health care
No 25.9% 4.1% 11.8% 1.2% 4.7%
delivery for making dental
examination easier
Does teledentistry help Yes 21.2% 3.5% 6.5% 3.5% 2.4% 28.48 0.00
monitoring patient’s
No 36.5% 4.7% 12.4% 0.6% 8.8%
condition well
Does teledentistry provide Yes 43.5% 5.3% 13.5% 3.5% 9.4% 7.00 0.13
platform of expert
No 14.1% 2.9% 5.3% 0.6% 1.8%
consultation
Do you face difficulties in Yes 27.6% 1.8% 8.2% 0.6% 6.5% 22.37 0.00
Internet-related equipment
No 30.0% 6.5% 10.6% 3.5% 4.7%
usage
Is there any risk of data Yes 39.4% 2.9% 8.8% 1.8% 8.2% 32.85 0.00
entry mistakes related to
No 18.2% 5.3% 10.0% 2.4% 2.9%
teledentistry
Is it easier to contact patient Yes 42.4% 6.5% 12.4% 4.1% 8.2% 11.19 0.02
via teledentistry
No 15.3% 1.8% 6.5% 0.0% 2.9%
Abbreviations: BDS, bachelor of dental surgery; FCPS, fellowship college of physicians and surgeons; MCPS, membership college of physicians; MDS,
master of dental surgery; MPhil, master of philosophy; PhD, doctor of philosophy.

undergraduate and postgraduate dental students regarding Access to rural and distant areas has been reported as
teledentistry. The participants (72.40%) of the present study one of the main benefits of teledentistry. Before COVID-19
had knowledge about the “teledentistry.” Studies published pandemic, teledentistry has been used for patient counseling
in other countries, about the perception of teledentistry, also in distant and rural areas. This trait can be utilized in present
showed similar findings.24 condition while observing social distancing from patients.

European Journal of Dentistry Vol. 14 No. S1/2020 © 2020. European Journal of Dentistry.
 Teledentistry during COVID-19 Pandemic  Abbas et al. S121

A quality improvement study addressing the oral health to investigate how teledentistry can be embraced in dental
care in old age residents in the rural areas of Queensland care. Teledentistry may prompt a change of standard den-
reported improved health care plans with minimization of tal practices and requires authoritative, clinical, innovative,
need to attend an oral health care system with the inter- and moral guidelines. Teledentistry features the possibility
vention of teledentistry.25 Participants (82.90%) of the pres- to offer extra dental care past dental crises, during and post
ent study agreed on the provision of better access to rural COVID-19. With the fast advancement of correspondence
areas and 88.20% have a perception of improvement in access and data innovations and their utilization in our lives, den-
to oral health care. A pilot study performed at the regional tistry must change accordingly.40
center of reference for COVID-19 in Italy also states teleden-
tistry as a beneficial tool in the management of patients at
a reduced cost while avoiding waiting durations.26 Changing Conclusion
demographics, lack of resources, poor access to oral screen- In the present study, significance of teledentistry has been
ing, and treatment are a major hindrance to quality care established and highlighted. General practicing dentists were
in remote and rural areas. Screening and consultation of observed with high awareness of teledentistry. Postgraduate
patients by means of teledentistry are considered as feasible and undergraduate dental students were observed having
and accessable.27 less awareness. Further research is required for qualitative
A study performed in 2015 by Mamatha states that 50% of findings on difference in perceptions among general dentist,
the practicing dentist agree on promotion and execution of undergraduate student, and postgraduate student regarding
health education by teledentistry,28 which is parallel to the teledentisty.
finding of the current study. Health education by teleden-
tistry has been widely used. It is divided into two main Conflict of Interest
categories: self-instruction and video conferencing. Both None declared.
methods have been used in different countries and men-
tioned in several studies.29
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