The pandemic has not only brought the world to a standstill, but has also forced everyone to stay indoors. While social distancing may seem like the only way to keep the virus away, not being able to step out can play havoc on your routine doctor or dentist checkups.
If you’ve been wondering how to step out in these times for your routine dental check-up, teledentistry has made it possible to get a check-up while sitting at home. Due to advancements in technology, teledentistry has gained popularity in recent times and has proved to be helpful for people in immediate need of dental assistance.
In this article, we’ll discuss what is teledentistry and how you could benefit from it during the pandemic.
What Is Teledentistry?
To begin with, let’s first understand what is teledentistry. Teledentistry comprises a range of virtual and contactless dental services. Teledentistry may also be referred to as the application of technologies and medical knowledge to the field of dentistry.
It’s a virtual dental consultation between the dentist and the patient. This virtual consultation takes place in a confidential setup and the consultation can happen either on-call or through video conferencing, based on the requirements of the patients. A reputable doctor in Phoenix, AZ believes that “video calls and teledental visits were paramount during difficult times in keeping our practice open and serving our patients as best as possible.” He is one of the many dentists offering teledentistry services in the region.
Since many dentists have shifted to online consultations due to the pandemic, teledentistry has gained popularity, being convenient and safe for both the doctor and the patient. As teledentistry consultations help you not to step out for your appointments, these help you adhere to the social distancing norms necessary to keep the virus away.
How Can You Benefit From Teledentistry?
As teledentistry encourages virtual dentist consultations and other contactless dental services, it has become an effective way to check and treat patients during the pandemic. Below, we look at some of the benefits of teledentistry during the pandemic.
- Social Distancing With Teledentistry
One of the key benefits of teledentistry is that it enables the patients to stay at home while still being able to get themselves checked for dental issues. Being able to access dental care during the pandemic while maintaining social distancing not only helps reduce the spread of the virus, but also enables you to take care of your dental needs promptly.
Because dental clinics are often intimate spaces where you’re in close contact with dentists and hygienists, this type of close set up is ideal for the spread of the virus and has to be avoided at any costs.
Therefore, thanks to teledentistry, you don’t have to ignore your dental needs because of the pandemic.
- Cost-Effective
As you don’t have to travel for your dental appointment, teledentistry is not only convenient, but can also be time-saving and cost-effective. As your dental appointment is likely to be online, you don’t have to spend time and money on commuting.
Teledentistry can also be cost-effective for those who are working for long hours during the day and don’t have the time to visit a clinic.
- Allows The Dentist To Take Emergency Dental Cases
With the availability of teledentistry, it has not only become convenient for the patient, but the doctors also benefit from this technology. As teledentistry allows the dentist to check his patients online and only call on those who require immediate attention, it gives him more time to attend to emergency cases.
- Technological Convenience
Other benefits associated with teleseminars include increased awareness of new technologies, such as the role of video-web conferencing and digital photography, as well as new advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. In addition to the previously mentioned dental benefits, patients also experience increased satisfaction when visiting a dentist via a teleseminar or online/video chat program. These virtual visits provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the many different types of services available, to ask any questions that need answering, and to develop further understanding of a dentist’s practice.
Conclusion
Due to the rising popularity of teledentistry during the pandemic, many dentists have now introduced teledentistry to their practice. There are several benefits associated with teledentistry, It allows for social distancing, and the dentist can give more time and attention to emergency dental cases. Ultimately, most patients can see immediate improvements in their oral health after a brief teleseminar or online visit.
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