Teledentistry involves using electronic imaging, communication and information technology, like video chats, to diagnose patients, store information and transfer data. It allows dentists to serve patients who might not have access to dentists and those who are dealing with non-emergency dental needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How teledentistry works
Teledentistry often includes virtual consultations and remote monitoring of patients. It also provides a more convenient and less expensive way for patients to get their dental needs met. It limits the number of people who need in-office dental visits, which promotes better infection control at dental clinics. Remote dental treatments are a hit with those who have a phobia of dentists. It allows them to get advice from a dentist without triggering the fears that cause their dental anxiety.
Many industries, like the banking industry, have already implemented modern information technology into the way they provide their services, creating a cheaper and more convenient option for their clients. The dental industry is headed in the same direction.
The benefits of teledentistry include:
- It helps to improve the patient's oral hygiene: Teledentistry can be effectively used to educate patients on how to take proper care of their mouths. Improving a person's ability to clean their mouth leads to fewer dental issues down the road.
- More affordable: Dental costs are lower with teledentistry, and that includes the opportunity costs of traveling or missing work.
- Innovative: Dental practices that offer teledentistry are keeping up with industry trends. The result can be a higher level of care for patients. Many younger patients use texts, emails and video chats as their main method of communication.
- Provides improved access to dental services: Teledentistry allows those who do not live near a dentist to get information from one. In many cases, dentists can diagnose the patient's condition without seeing them in person. They can visually inspect the patient and refer them to places where diagnostic tests, like x-rays and CT scans, can be provided if needed.
- Creates room for those who need in-office treatments: Getting an appointment with a dentist can take up to two weeks depending on the area. Providing teledentistry to patients with less pressing issues opens up more time slots for patients with more serious dental problems. The end result is a better experience for both types of patients.
- Saves time: On average, patients spend about 17 minutes dealing with dental staff for each hour spent at the clinic. The same consultation can be completed in about 20 minutes over a video chat.
- Effective treatment: The data indicates that patients who get treatments via teledentistry have similar success rates to those who came in for in-office treatments.
Get remote dental treatment
Our Port Charlotte clinic continues to serve those who are dealing with dental emergencies during the coronavirus pandemic. We also provide teledentistry for patients dealing with issues that do not count as emergencies. Our office can provide the treatment you need regardless of the oral issue you are dealing with.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
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