212 - Evaluation of Intraoral Imaging for Asynchronous Teledentistry in Pediatric Patients

Purpose: The aim of this 12-month controlled prospective study was to assess the pediatric patients’ evaluation of the effectiveness of intraoral imaging using an intraoral camera as a way of implementing asynchronous teledentistry in a diverse population of children in New York, U.S.

Methods: Children, 5-16 years old, who present for recall visits were recruited. Children were shown images of their teeth on screen as they were captured using an intraoral camera during the dental visit. Then they were asked for their opinions of the efficiency of intraoral imaging and comfortability of the equipment used through a questionnaire survey including a facial image scale.

Results: Data reveals that about 47% of participants considered the intraoral camera to be “very comfortable,” while 28% reported it to be “somewhat comfortable” and 19% thought it was “okay.” Only about 5% of participants felt that it was slightly uncomfortable, with no participants reporting it to be very uncomfortable. Overall, the result indicates that more than two thirds of the participants gave a positive response to using the intraoral camera. When asked how they felt about the mouth camera visit today, participants with a positive response reported that they enjoyed being able to see photos of their own teeth and was helpful. The intraoral photos capture detailed hard and soft tissues, which can improve patient’s sense of their oral health and improve OHI.

Conclusion: Intraoral imaging could be an effective modality in asynchronous teledentistry. Patients predominantly reported a positive response regarding its comfortability and helpfulness. It would be beneficial to continue research in this area over a longer period of time with more subjects.