An evidence-based review of the scope and potential ethical concerns of teleorthodontics

The aim was to evaluate the scope and potential ethical concerns related to the use of teledentistry in clinical orthodontics.

Indexed databases were searched up to and including October 2020. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (a) original clinical studies, and (b) case reports/series. Historic reviews, commentaries, experimental studies, and letters to the editor, were excluded. The pattern of the present review was customized to summarize the relevant information.

A total of 4 clinical studies (out of 1016) were included in the present evidence-based review. Three studies reported that teledentistry is useful in clinical orthodontics. In 1 study, a clear conclusion could not be derived regarding the benefits of teledentistry in clinical orthodontics. Two out of 4 studies did not obtain prior approval from an Institutional Review Board or Ethical Committee. Three studies did not report any measures that were undertaken to safeguard the electronic transfer of patient-related health information.

Teleorthodontics facilitates treatment planning/monitoring by sharing orthodontics-based patient records among oral healthcare providers; however, the importance of direct patient supervision and routine follow-ups during orthodontic therapy cannot be overlooked. Further studies are needed to establish ethical guidelines and a standard of care in this emerging field.