Telehealth platforms are changing health care. After booming during the coronavirus pandemic, these online health care services continue to connect patients and providers. Oral health care is no exception. Teledentistry has developed into a multibillion-dollar industry that is improving access to dental care for millions of Americans. The benefits of teledentistry are as profound as they are many. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most crucial advantages of teledentistry and how this exciting new platform can save you time and money.
An overview of teledentistry
Teledentistry is a form of telemedicine that connects patients to dental professionals via video conferencing platforms and web-based communication. Basically, a video dental appointment lets you talk to a dentist, dental hygienist, Doctor of Dental surgery, or other type of oral care provider through a video call (like Skype or Facetime).
Some dental services that can be performed online include:
- Patient onboarding and video consultations
- Remote patient monitoring and video check-ups
- Synchronous (real-time) diagnoses and treatment for mild-to-moderate dental problems like toothaches and tooth sensitivity
- Consultations before major dental procedures
- Follow-up appointments after in-office visits
- Second opinions
- Asynchronous consultations, referrals, and treatment planning
With broad applications across dental practices, teledentistry can make your next appointment easier.
Accessibility
Millions of Americans live in dental care deserts. These deserts are pockets of the country—usually in rural areas or underserved communities—that lack access to dental clinics and other health care providers. Living in a dental care desert makes it very difficult to schedule and attend an in-person visit at a dentist’s office. Teledentistry allows individuals living in remote areas and areas without access to dental health centers to talk to a provider without leaving home.
The accessibility of teledentistry has also made it easier for patients with physical and mental disabilities to get care without requiring a clinic visit. Specifically, online dental care allows for remote monitoring and educational oral hygiene resources to help patients maintain their health and talk to health care professionals when needed.
You don’t need to go anywhere for an online dental visit. You just need a reliable wifi connection, a device with internet access and a camera, and a quiet room from which you’ll conduct the appointment. Because these appointments are done over video, it doesn’t matter if you can’t get to a clinic or if there are no dentists near you. You can talk to dental providers from anywhere in the country.
Affordability
Not only can online dental care be conducted from the comfort of your home, it can also save you money. According to a recent study from Fierce Healthcare, teledentistry services can save patients 10-15% on their care. The majority of online dental appointments were used for virtual consultations, diagnoses, treatment planning, oral hygiene instruction, and preventive practices against oral diseases.
For reference, an online dentist appointment on Sesame costs between $70-$80. Depending on the location and your insurance coverage, an in-person appointment can cost between $100-$300.
Lower costs do not equate to lesser care. The vast majority of people who used teledentistry services recently reported positive patient experiences. In addition, American Dental Association (ADA) has strict guidelines regarding patient privacy and quality of care during teledentistry visits. All teledentistry services on Sesame adhere to HIPAA regulations, guaranteeing legal privacy protection. An online dentist appointment will feature the same high-quality care and level of service you would receive from an in-person visit.
Efficiency
Teledentistry can save you time. Instead of taking time out of your day to go to your dental office for a quick check-up or follow-up appointment, these routine services can now be done over video. A 2018 study found that an average of 320.8 million work and school hours are lost due to dental appointments. While cleaning, imaging, dental and orthodontic procedures, and dental emergencies still require in-person visits, follow-ups and consultations can be done over video conferences. For example, if you’ve had X-rays taken during your last office visit, you can schedule a time to talk about the results online rather than commuting to the clinic.
This efficiency has advantages for dental care practitioners too. Quick video chats free up providers’ office hours for patients that require an in-person visit.
Comfort
People dread dental treatment so much that the terms “dental anxiety” and “dentophobia” were coined to characterize this unease. About 36% of Americans report having a fear of dentistry, while 12% of this population report having an extreme fear. While in-person visits are still required for cleanings, procedures, and emergencies, online video visits ease stress by reducing the need to visit a dentist’s office in person. If you need to schedule a follow-up visit, an imaging consultation, or a quick check-up, talk to your dental care provider about whether or not you can do this meeting over video chat. As detailed above, this can save both of you time while minimizing any anxiety you may be feeling about going to the clinic.
The advantages of teledentistry are multiple. Scheduling video consultations and follow-ups can save you time, money, and stress. Video visits also play a crucial role in expanding the accessibility of dental care for people in remote or underserved areas, as well as for people who may not be able to travel to a clinic in person. If you’re looking for more information or want to talk to a provider about your dental concerns, book an online dental appointment on Sesame. These quick, convenient, and affordable appointments let you connect with a licensed dental care professional, often within the same day.
