The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has released a report on the topic of teledentistry that indicates its use has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began but more education is needed for dental professionals.
The report, titled "Teledentistry: Innovation to Improving Access and Delivery to Oral Health Care Services in Dental Education," suggests that teledentistry can help vulnerable populations get the dental care they need. However, dentists must be trained in teledentistry's use and processes.
"Health delivery systems, oral health stakeholders and policymakers have a critical role in ensuring teledentistry's parity is achieved to continue delivering optimal oral health services," wrote a team led by Omar Escontriás, DrPH, of the ADEA. "Looking into the future, academic dentistry will be pivotal in educating and training the dentists of tomorrow on teledentistry modalities and offering a new perspective on the delivery of oral health care."
