Utilization of teledentistry during COVID-19 pandemic
Jakkula, Suvi (2022)
2022
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202205108256
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202205108256
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of the research is to provide an overview how dental services can be offered to patients remotely during global COVID-19 pandemic and what are the main challenges of utilizing teledentistry into practice.
The study was made with systematized review. First data search was done from the chosen databases. In the second stage review process was done where the data was carefully screened and assessed for inclusion criteria and quality. After the review process the final references were included in the study. In the third stage data analysis were done by using thematic analysis where data were organized, coded and categorized by themes and finally the results were written out based on the research questions and themes.
Teledentistry has proven to be useful for consulting dental professionals, making diagnosis, monitoring the progress of the treatment, and prioritizing the need for the treatment. The main challenges of utilizing teledentistry are patient and dentist related challenges, ethical and legal issues, technology related challenges or misdiagnosis and medical errors.
Teledentistry has been used for years but it has not become an integral part of mainstream oral health care system. However, the use and scope of teledentistry have increased during COVID-19 pandemic because of lockdown and social distancing regulations. Current pandemic can be an opportunity to develop teledentistry on a larger scale. Continuation of teledentistry after COVID-19 pandemic is possible with help of policy, technological availability, and education.
The study was made with systematized review. First data search was done from the chosen databases. In the second stage review process was done where the data was carefully screened and assessed for inclusion criteria and quality. After the review process the final references were included in the study. In the third stage data analysis were done by using thematic analysis where data were organized, coded and categorized by themes and finally the results were written out based on the research questions and themes.
Teledentistry has proven to be useful for consulting dental professionals, making diagnosis, monitoring the progress of the treatment, and prioritizing the need for the treatment. The main challenges of utilizing teledentistry are patient and dentist related challenges, ethical and legal issues, technology related challenges or misdiagnosis and medical errors.
Teledentistry has been used for years but it has not become an integral part of mainstream oral health care system. However, the use and scope of teledentistry have increased during COVID-19 pandemic because of lockdown and social distancing regulations. Current pandemic can be an opportunity to develop teledentistry on a larger scale. Continuation of teledentistry after COVID-19 pandemic is possible with help of policy, technological availability, and education.