Telehealth (or telemedicine), the crossroads of telecommunication technologies and health care, changed Americans’ access to health care. From online mental health appointments to prescription refills, these live video meetings connect patients to health care providers in real-time. But what about oral health care?
Teledentistry services became heavily utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to let patients connect with dentists nationwide to discuss oral health conditions and treatment plans. Teledentistry appointments have made dental health care more accessible and convenient. In this article, we’ll give an overview of what teledentistry is and what it’s used for.
What is teledentistry?
First things first: teledentistry is a form of health care conducted by dental professionals and other oral health care providers. A teledentistry appointment usually uses web-based video conferencing platforms—similar to Skype or Facetime—that allow providers and patients to talk face-to-face without actually being in person.
In addition to live video chats (also known as synchronous care), teledentistry offers the opportunity for a store-and-forward (or asynchronous) form of care. Asynchronous teledentistry allows providers to collect, store, and forward digital impressions, radiographs (X-rays), and other images for consultation and treatment planning. Asynchronous care can also be used for remote patient monitoring services. Remote patient monitoring involves collecting data from patients from different locations to check on their progress or changes in their oral health.
Teledentistry services may utilize communication technologies other than video—like email, real-time chats, and private messaging—to make it easier for patients to connect to providers and vice-versa. During your teledentistry appointment, you can talk to your oral health care provider about your preferred method of communication and what sort of dental services you might need.
What are the benefits of teledentistry?
It doesn’t appear that the teledental industry is slowing down any time soon. Online dental practices offer increased accessibility and ease of use for patients seeking oral health care. Telehealth, as a whole, has seen significant increases in use since the COVID-19 pandemic, and for many Americans, these services provide a welcome change from doctor’s offices and waiting rooms. While teledentistry might not be the best option for all patients or dental problems, it can make it easier to interface with your oral care provider.
Teledentistry offers a variety of patient care options, such as:
- Patient onboarding and video consultations
- Diagnoses and treatment for mild-to-moderate dental problems like toothaches and tooth sensitivity
- Consultations before major dental procedures
- Follow-up after in-office visits
94% of patients who used teledentistry services during the COVID pandemic reported positive experiences. These appointments are often considerably more affordable than office visits. An online dentist appointment on Sesame costs between $70-$80. Depending on the location and your insurance coverage, a dental office appointment can cost between $100 and $300. In addition, teledentistry services are often available on a same-day basis. That means you don’t have to schedule an appointment weeks in advance. You can usually get your dental treatment within minutes or hours of booking your virtual visit.
Perhaps most importantly, teledentistry has increased access to dental care for patients nationwide. Millions of Americans live in dental care deserts. These are rural areas or underserved areas without access to dental care. Similarly, there are still too many Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. Many Americans already skip crucial medical services due to cost, and dentistry is no different. Teledentistry lets patients talk to a dental professional wherever they are and is often significantly more cost-effective than in-person office visits.
How does teledentistry work?
Teledentistry uses video and text-based communication systems to connect providers with patients. In most cases, you will need a device with video capabilities (like a laptop or smartphone), a quiet room to conduct the appointment, and a solid wifi connection. That’s it!
During your video visit, you will be asked about your dental history, any symptoms you are experiencing, and any ongoing dental problems you are concerned with. A camera helps the provider examine any problem areas as best they can while establishing a personal connection with you.
If you don’t have access to a device with a camera or feel more comfortable conducting your visit over the phone, don’t worry. Most health care providers on Sesame can meet with you over a regular phone call. After you book your virtual appointment on Sesame, your confirmation email will contain the health care provider's phone number. Call the provider before the appointment to let them know you'd prefer to have your visit over the phone.
You may speak with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or a dental hygienist during your visit. If you are getting a consultation for a major dental procedure, you might speak to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) for more information about the process and how to prepare.
Whoever you speak to, the American Dental Association (ADA) has stipulated 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. You can book an online dentist appointment with complete confidence that you will receive high-quality care and the same level of service you would receive from an in-person visit.
It’s important to note that teledentistry is not appropriate if you are experiencing a medical or dental emergency. Chipped or broken teeth, inflammation in the jaw, symptoms of an infection, or other severe indications of a dental problem require an in-person examination and treatment at an emergency dental clinic or urgent care center.
Telehealth, teledentistry included, is radically altering our access to health care. Offering increased availability, lower costs, and high-quality services from the comfort of your home, teledentistry makes getting the oral health care you need easier. Book an affordable and convenient online dental consult on Sesame today to connect with a licensed dental care provider.
