Using Teledentistry to Improve Access to Dental Care for the Underserved

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What is teledentistry and how does it work?

Teledentistry uses electronic health records, telecommunications technology, digital imaging, and the Internet to provide teleconsultation with specialists, supervision of collaborative hygienists in remote areas, and education. Teleconsultation can take on two forms. Real-time consultation uses direct on-line computer video telecommunication between a dentist, hygienist, or patient in a remote community and a dentist or specialist in a larger community who provides support or supervision. In

The University of Minnesota teledentistry project

A teledentistry network has been established that links specialists at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry to dentists and patients in remote rural areas where access to care is difficult. The network also increases training for dentists and dental students in the rural community in the management of orofacial disorders.9 Minnesota traditionally has been a state with a high level of awareness regarding dental and health matters and ranks above the national average in access to

Areas in which teledentistry has been helpful in improving access to care

Several areas in dentistry that are particularly appropriate for teledentistry are remote consultations for orofacial disorders, collaborative hygienists' visits in remote areas, and continuing education. Future uses of teledentistry in medicine, such as clinical decision support, consumer home use, medication e-prescribing, and simulation training, will expand as the technology and applications for dentists increase.15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

The use of electronic records facilitates teledentistry

The evolution of electronic patient records has made teledentistry an immediate reality. Because an increasing number of dental care providers can access the Internet, traditional barriers to exchanging information have been reduced. Web-based records also make cumulative, longitudinal patient records possible. Well-tested security mechanisms have ensured the integrity and confidentiality of patient information. Because Web-based systems are simple to install and configure, the cost of

Telehealth equipment and transmission modes

The technology for performing video consultations and telecommunication continues to improve. For example, the Sony PCS TL-50, Polycom VC2, and Tandberg systems are for higher-quality and routine commercial use. In addition, the use of PC-based videoconferencing systems such as iChat, Skype, Windows Live Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger provide lower-cost solutions that communicate through broadband networks. Desktop conferencing is often referred to as “PC-based videoconferencing” or

Health insurance portability and accountability act and system security with teledentistry

All members of a health care team and the teledentistry network are considered covered entities under HIPAA privacy regulations that became effective April 14, 2003. A clinic's computing hosting and facilities are considered confidential electronic patient records. A state-of-the-art computing facility is a requisite requirement for housing the databases of electronic dental records and teledentistry. The privacy, confidentiality, security, and secure back-up of data must meet HIPAA

Summary

Teledentistry is a new area of dentistry that integrates electronic health records, telecommunications technology, digital imaging, and the Internet to improve access to care for patients in remote settings. Through collaborative hygienists in remote areas, patients have improved access to preventive dental care. Through teleconsultation with specialists in larger communities, a dentist in a nearby community can provide access to specialty care for their patients more easily. Teledentistry

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