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Internet usage by pediatric dental practices in Connecticut
S M Hashim Nainar1, Deborah A Redford-Badwal
1Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
Pediatric Dentistry
|May 7, 2002
Summary
Most Connecticut pediatric dental practices use the Internet, primarily for electronic third-party claims submission. Email communication with patients or providers is uncommon, and few have websites.
Area of Science:
- Dental Informatics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The increasing integration of digital technologies in healthcare necessitates understanding their adoption by specialized practices.
- Pediatric dental practices represent a key sector for evaluating technology implementation in child-focused oral healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent and nature of Internet utilization among pediatric dental practices in Connecticut.
- To identify specific Internet services commonly employed by these practices.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey study was conducted involving all 64 pediatric dentists in private practice in Connecticut.
- A seven-item anonymous questionnaire was mailed, with data analyzed using frequency distributions and chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- A 73% response rate was achieved, indicating significant engagement with the survey.
- Over 75% of practices were connected to the Internet, with 72% utilizing it for electronic third-party claims submission.
- Limited use of email for patient communication or inter-professional consultations was reported; only 40% had a World Wide Web site.
Conclusions:
- The majority of Connecticut-based pediatric dental practices have adopted Internet connectivity.
- Electronic submission of third-party claims emerged as the most prevalent application of Internet technology within these practices.