Exploring challenges and mitigation strategies towards practicing Teledentistry

Abstract

Background Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many dentists have opted for Teledentistry as a mechanism for patient consultation, oral lesion evaluation, diagnosis, and monitoring. The current study explores the challenges faced and potential solutions proposed by dentists practicing Teledentistry in a developing country like Pakistan. Methods A qualitative case study was carried out from January to December 2021. A purposive maximum variation sample of 10 dentists was interviewed in two focus groups. The interview guide was developed using the technology–organization–environment framework. The data was transcribed verbatim using otter.ai. The analysis involved immersion in the data and open coding. The conceptually related codes were synthesized into themes and subthemes. Findings The study found various Personnel, Technological and Organizational challenges, and potential solutions from those practicing Teledentistry. The challenges included operational cost, minimal financial returns, lack of awareness, hardware and software support, and other challenges related to the availability of specialization, accessibility, and institutional encouragement. They suggested Institutional Based Practice, staff training, hiring, development of government regulations, and supporting infrastructures such as designated space, central registry, internet, and using/building software to provide 3D images as solutions. Conclusion Teledentists face Personnel, Technological and Organizational challenges and related potential solutions from those practicing Teledentistry in Pakistan. Government should encourage Teledentistry to reduce long-term costs, encourage preventive services and enable rural access to dental care. They should also involve all stakeholders to develop regulations for practicing Teledentistry in Pakistan.

Legal issues in digital oral health: a scoping review

“…The majority were conducted either in the United States of America (n = 5) [19–23; India (n = 4) [ 19 – 22 ]; or Canada (n = 2) [ 12 , 23 ]. Studies were also conducted in Rumania [ 1 ]; Chile [ 24 ]; Pakistan [ 25 ]; and South Africa [ 26 ]. Additionally, two studies included multiple countries [ 13 , 27 ].…”

“… Access, and delivery of telemedicine applications in dentistry and medicine should be expanded and improved to provide access to all population groups. Fahim et al, 2022 [ 25 ] Pakistan Not explicit Challenges and solutions for teledentistry in Pakistan Government should encourage teledentistry and reduce barriers to implement teledentistry . Stakeholders should be included in the development of guidelines and regulations.…”

“…Sharing of pictures and images is not completely supported by accuracy (e.g., reliability has not been fully established) [ 25 , 34 ]. Social media can be used as adjunct media, but may not replace clinical assessment or direct contact [ 36 ].…”

“…Additionally, health professionals must be aware of the legal obligations, regulatory aspects, and funding considerations associated with telehealth [ 57 ]. Currently, there are reports that suggest that oral health practitioners are inadequately prepared for the implementation of teledentistry and face challenges in understanding privacy issues, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring record keeping, in digital health situations [ 11 , 12 , 25 ].…”

Perceptions Toward the Usefulness and Benefits of Teledentistry in the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) in Saudi Arabia

“…One reason for this might be that TD requires a stable network as well as technological and security support to get started, yet there is very little published evidence regarding the estimated set-up costs for teledentistry. According to a study that was conducted to explore the challenges and mitigation strategies towards practicing TD, the set up costs were one of the challenges for establishing TD in a private dental office because practitioners may have to pay for it themselves, with few financial benefits [ 21 ]. However, our study results contrasted among dental professionals in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in a survey, which reported that the least number of participants agreed that TD would be too expensive to set up [ 22 ].…”