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AuthorFahim, Ayesha
AuthorSaleem, Zakia
AuthorMalik, Khizar Ansar
AuthorAtta, Komal
AuthorMahmood, Rizwan
AuthorAlam, Mohammad Khursheed
AuthorSethi, Ahsan
Available date2023-09-20T08:47:08Z
Publication Date2022
Publication NameBMC Oral Health
ResourceScopus
ISSN14726831
URIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12903-022-02685-2
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/47771
AbstractBackground: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many dentists have opted for Teledentistry as a mechanism for patient consultation, oral lesion evaluation, diagnosis, and monitoring. The current study explores the challenges faced and potential solutions proposed by dentists practicing Teledentistry in a developing country like Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative case study was carried out from January to December 2021. A purposive maximum variation sample of 10 dentists was interviewed in two focus groups. The interview guide was developed using the technology-organization-environment framework. The data was transcribed verbatim using otter.ai. The analysis involved immersion in the data and open coding. The conceptually related codes were synthesized into themes and subthemes. Findings: The study found various Personnel, Technological and Organizational challenges, and potential solutions from those practicing Teledentistry. The challenges included operational cost, minimal financial returns, lack of awareness, hardware and software support, and other challenges related to the availability of specialization, accessibility, and institutional encouragement. They suggested Institutional Based Practice, staff training, hiring, development of government regulations, and supporting infrastructures such as designated space, central registry, internet, and using/building software to provide 3D images as solutions. Conclusion: Teledentists face Personnel, Technological and Organizational challenges and related potential solutions from those practicing Teledentistry in Pakistan. Government should encourage Teledentistry to reduce long-term costs, encourage preventive services and enable rural access to dental care. They should also involve all stakeholders to develop regulations for practicing Teledentistry in Pakistan.
SponsorThe authors would like to thank all the participants for their contributions.
Languageen
PublisherBioMed Central Ltd
SubjectChallenges
Solutions
Teledentistry
Telehealth
Virtual dentistry
Virtual patient
TitleExploring challenges and mitigation strategies towards practicing Teledentistry
TypeArticle
Issue Number1
Volume Number22
dc.accessType Open Access


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