Diagnostic accuracy of a telediagnosis service of oral mucosal diseases: A multicentric survey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this multicentric study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a telediagnosis service for oral mucosal disorders. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 100 patients seen at the oral medicine outpatient clinic of 3 Brazilian Dental Schools (University of Campinas, Federal University of Pernambuco, and Federal University of Santa Catrina) from March 2019 to October 2019. In addition to the face-to-face assistance provided by graduate students and the final diagnosis validated by the professors of these institutions, a remote evaluation was requested for these patients through the EstomatoNet/TelessaúdeRS platform. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of telediagnosis were compared with those of the face-to-face approach and found to be 100% and 97.4%, respectively. The concordance between the examiners was 95%, and case management was relatively simple in approximately 60% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, telediagnosis for oral diseases can be considered a reliable method, representing a promising alternative for the clinical support of health professionals, particularly in remote locations.

Teledentistry in the diagnosis of oral lesions: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize information on the use of teledentistry in the diagnosis of oral lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search conducted in August 2018 included articles published until December 2018 in 4 databases. Two reviewers evaluated the search results separately. If they were uncertain as to whether to include an article, a third reviewer made the final decision. Studies related to the diagnosis of oral lesions using teledentistry were included. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included in the study. The selected articles were published between 1999 and 2018, predominantly in developing countries. The professionals acting as patient examiners are dental students and dentists, as well as other health professionals. Most of the patients evaluated in the studies were from rural populations or locations distant from large centers. The tools used to obtain patient data were smartphones, videoconference, email, questionnaires, histopathological exams, and telemedicine applications and systems. Most studies concluded that there is a high level of agreement between teledentistry and clinical consultation and that the use of this resource for diagnostic purposes can reduce costs and the travel time to consult a specialist personally. Nine of the 11 studies were of good quality. CONCLUSIONS: Teledentistry has the potential to improve the care quality related to diagnosis and management of oral lesions, shortening distances between patients who need specialized diagnoses and specialists.