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Introduction Teledentistry has emerged as a promising solution to enhance dental healthcare accessibility and quality. Understanding public awareness and attitudes toward teledentistry is crucial for its successful implementation, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia where digital health initiatives are rapidly expanding. This study aims to assess the level of awareness, attitudes, and perceptions toward teledentistry among the Saudi Arabian population, as well as examine the demographic factors influencing its acceptance. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 474 participants, employing a structured questionnaire to collect data on demographics, awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward teledentistry. Statistical analyses, including correlation and chi-square tests, were performed to analyze the data. Results The majority of respondents (64%) reported awareness of teledentistry, primarily through the Internet (44.5%) and healthcare providers (36.3%). The average self-assessed knowledge score was 3.04 out of 5, indicating moderate familiarity with teledentistry concepts. Attitudes toward teledentistry were generally positive, with 54% expressing belief in its effectiveness. However, a significant portion of the sample showed reluctance toward using teledentistry for routine dental check-ups, with only 45.1% showing willingness. High technological accessibility was reported, yet 55.9% of participants preferred traditional in-person consultations. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between knowledge and belief in effectiveness (r = 0.21), but a negligible correlation with willingness to use teledentistry (r = 0.016). A strong positive correlation was found between belief in effectiveness and willingness for routine check-ups (r = 0.673). Educational level significantly influenced teledentistry acceptance, with higher education correlating with greater receptiveness. Conclusion While there is a moderate level of awareness and a generally positive attitude toward teledentistry among the Saudi population, hesitance remains regarding its use for routine care. The findings highlight the need for educational initiatives to improve knowledge and perceptions of teledentistry, potentially enhancing its acceptance and integration into the healthcare system.
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INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus causes a major burden on healthcare systems all around the world. It has been documented that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with long-term vascular complications including micro-vascular, macro-vascular, and mixed-vascular disorders. Several studies have concluded that the increment of arterial wall stiffness is correlated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular adverse events and the mortality associated with it. AIMS: This study purposed to evaluate the arterial stiffness measurements, using Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), in T2DM patients, and the relationship with the fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and other factors that may increase the risk of elevated arterial stiffness in T2DM patients. METHODOLOGY: A total of 200 patients were recruited from the outpatient setting at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al Khobar. A total of 181 patients fit the inclusion criteria. The charts of the patients who fit the inclusion criteria were reviewed and data related to age, gender, body mass index, smoking history, FBG, HbA1c levels, blood pressure (mmHg) measurements, and CAVI scores were collected. RESULTS: The elevation in CAVI readings was noted to be more prominent in the senior age group. Hypertensive patients also showed a significant increase in CAVI readings. In addition, higher CAVI readings were more associated with the male gender rather than females. All of which showed a significant correlation. Furthermore, although it was not significant, higher FBG levels and HbA1c readings were correlated with higher CAVI readings. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that factors like age, smoking status, gender, and the increase in blood pressure as well as the increase in blood glucose levels are correlated with higher CAVI readings in T2DM patients. This demonstrates their important effect on arterial wall stiffness while showing that CAVI can be used in predicting the prognosis of arterial wall health in patients with diabetes.