Teledentistry: remote observation of patients with special needs

While telemedicine has been adopted and is used increasingly in patient care, the dental profession is still in the relatively early stages of utilizing technology in similar ways. The number of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities is increasing in number and complexity, calling for new approaches to assist with access to care. The current article outlines the benefits of new technology in the evaluation of all patients but particularly the more complex population that has been diagnosed with a disability. Three case examples illustrate the value of technology in remote patient observation and offer ideas for use and further research.