Online orthodontic advice: a protocol for a pilot teledentistry system

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Medical Informatics
• Telemedicine

Background:

• General dental practitioners (GDPs) often require specialist orthodontic input for complex malocclusion cases.
• Effective communication and data transfer between GDPs and specialists are crucial for optimal patient care.
• Existing referral pathways can be time-consuming and may lack standardized data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a prototype teledentistry service incorporating an expert system for orthodontic case assessment.
• To streamline the referral process for malocclusion cases from GDPs to dental specialists.
• To assess the usability and satisfaction of GDPs with the teledentistry system.

Main Methods:

• Development of a PC-based expert system to guide GDPs in orthodontic assessment and data recording.
• Secure Internet-based transfer of clinical data and radiographic images to dental specialists.
• Facilitation of specialist recommendations via asynchronous communication or real-time videoconferencing.
• An eight-month trial involving six GDPs referring 158 cases through the system.

Main Results:

• The teledentistry system successfully guided GDPs through comprehensive orthodontic case assessment.
• Data files containing radiographic images and clinical details were effectively transferred to specialists.
• The protocol facilitated satisfactory specialist consultations, with GDPs finding the system straightforward and thorough.
• 158 cases were referred via the teledentistry system, alongside 24 direct referrals.

Conclusions:

• The prototype teledentistry service, with its integrated expert system, is a viable tool for supporting GDPs in orthodontic referrals.
• The system enhances the quality and completeness of data submitted for specialist review.
• Teledentistry offers a practical and efficient solution for improving access to orthodontic expertise for general dental practitioners.