A Scoping review of challenges, scope and assessment approaches of teledentistry: an Indian perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47203/IJCH.2021.v33i04.004%20

Keywords:

Dental Care, Tele-dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Information Technology

Abstract

Context: In India, COVID-19 pandemic has limited the utilization and access to dental services owing to the risk of infections transmission. In this context, tele-dentistry could be useful but there is paucity of literature which provides guidance on the scope and challenges for using tele-dentistry in India. Aims: To identify challenges, scope and assessment approaches of tele-dentistry from an Indian perspective. Settings and Design: Scoping Review. Methods and Material: Scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Databases were searched in July from April to August 2020. Studies concerning challenges and scope of tele-dentistry in India were included. Additionally, literature about assessment approaches used for tele-dentistry programs were also reviewed Results: A total of 64 studies were reviewed, out of which 26 articles were included in the final review. Scoping review reveled that tele-dentistry can act as a seamless tool for diagnosing, training and screening. Few studies suggested the relevance of smartphone technology for specialist consultations and proper diagnosis. Majority of studies revealed shortage of basic infrastructure as a major challenge for tele-dentistry in India. Assessment studies were mainly focused on economic perspective and cost-effectiveness of the programs. Conclusions: This review provide guidance for using tele-dentistry in India. It is also reflected that there is a need for further research about the assessment of tele-dentistry in terms of safety, clinical outcomes, and patient perception.

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Published

2021-12-31

How to Cite

1.
Joshi V, Bhardwaj P, Joshi NK, Singh K, Bajaj K, Suthar P. A Scoping review of challenges, scope and assessment approaches of teledentistry: an Indian perspective. Indian J Community Health [Internet]. 2021 Dec. 31 [cited 2024 May 21];33(4):559-67. Available from: http://iapsmupuk.org/journal/index.php/IJCH/article/view/2134

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Section

Review Article