Teledentistry in pediatric dentistry: Postgraduate dental students' knowledge, practice, and attitudes


Aktaş N., Palaz Z., Akal N.

DIGITAL HEALTH, vol.9, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 9
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/20552076231205285
  • Journal Name: DIGITAL HEALTH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI)
  • Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019, dentistry curriculum, healthcare, pediatric dentistry, teledentistry
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate postgraduate pediatric dental students' knowledge, practice, and attitudes toward teledentistry and identify potential applications of this technology in pediatric dentistry.MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to all students through Google Forms. The questionnaire included questions about socio-demographic information, knowledge, practice, and attitudes regarding teledentistry and the use of teledentistry during coronavirus disease 2019.ResultsBefore the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, only 8.2% of students knew teledentistry. However, this increased to 45% after the pandemic, with differences depending on the student's clinical experience. Teledentistry was reported as useful for medicine taking, follow-up consultations, and diagnosing soft tissue problems.ConclusionsIntegrating teledentistry topics into the dental curriculum can increase awareness and adoption of this technology in pediatric dentistry. Dental students need to be aware of its potential applications.