A systematic review of the research evidence for the benefits of teledentistry.

Objective This review is designed to inform future decisions about the benefits of integrating teledentistry into routine health services, by presenting an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness and economic impact of teledentistry. Methods Two reviewers searched PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases through November 2016 to identify published peer-reviewed studies in English. Teledentistry studies were included if they were; (a) controlled (randomised or non-randomised) assessment studies; and (b) compared outcomes of a teledentistry intervention in terms of clinical or economic evaluation with the outcomes of traditional clinical alternatives. The quality of the studies was evaluated using a quality appraisal tool that considered study performance and design. Results This review identified 385 publications, of which 217 full-text articles were retrieved for further inspection. Of these, only 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine of the included articles showed some clinical outcomes; the other two were primarily economic analyses. The balance of these studies assesed the efficacy of teledentistry interventions rather than their effectiveness. Four studies (36%) achieved higher quality scores and have greater potential to influence health-care decision-making. To date, the most convincing published evidence regarding the efficacy of teledentistry was provided by studies on paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and oral medicine. The economic analysis referred only to cost-minimisation, suggesting that the use of teleconsultation in dentistry can be cost-saving when compared to a conventional consultation. However, high-quality economic studies on teledentistry are rare. Conclusion There is emerging evidence supporting the efficacy of teledentistry. However, there is not yet enough conclusive evidence, particularly for its effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and long-term use, to make evidence-based policy decisions on teledentistry.

Video conferencing and real-time communication.

We believe that network national and international teleconferencing is viable and that the problems remaining have mostly to do with overcoming reluctance to change, reorganizing one's thinking, and making the equipment easier to use--essentially minimizing behavioral and operational constraints. Those of us who use audiographic teleconferencing are enthusiastic. In an era of increasingly rapid change and energy consciousness, teleconferencing should be considered. Finally, we experienced how national and international teleconferencing can meet various medical requirements, while at the same time achieving decentralization of human resources. We also considered the impact of teleconferencing on the daily business of people, as well as the social, medical, and economic activity relative to teleconferencing systems on a large scale. If the mastery of information technology is a challenge of the Eighties, then it appears that national and international teleconferencing as an integral feature of any professional environment--medicine, dentistry, engineering, education, and so on could be very supportive in cultivating a national and international exchange of ideas. The end result of teleconferencing is the benefit realized from improved group communication and the efficient use of time, both professional and personal.

Worldwide survey on distance learning in dental education.

This paper reports the results of a worldwide survey on distance learning initiated by the FDI. The results indicate that dental associations in many countries are in the process of investigating the various options available, and in development, for bringing continuing education to their members with the maximum convenience and effectiveness. Details are given of advantages, disadvantages and relative costs of the different methods undertaken. Recommendations are made for future development and progress.

The potential and costs of videoconferencing in dental education, dental vocational training and MFDS preparation.

This paper considers the potential role of videoconferencing technology for postgraduate dental and medical education. Drawing on work from the University of Bristol Dental School, it presents an analysis of the potential cost savings achievable by using videoconferencing compared to traditional face-to-face teaching across a range of scenarios. A summary of the feedback from trainees is also provided.

Videoconferencing: what are the benefits for dental practice?

For more than 3 years members of the TeleDent team from Bristol University have been looking at the potential of videoconferencing technology for dentistry. Here they explain what videoconferencing is and how it can help the GDP. They discuss examples of its most promising uses for the profession, which include professional updating and providing diagnostic support at a distance. They describe the equipment that is needed, the different types of system available and give an indication of costs. A suggested procedure for using the technology for remote referrals is outlined. 'Store and forward' techniques are also discussed. These do not involve a live video but involve the sending of static electronic files. This approach is compared with videoconferencing, and the article looks at the question of which will be best suited to the GDP, and for what purposes.