Acceptance and readiness for tele-dentistry among dental professionals amidst conflict in Sudan

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted dental service delivery, highlighting the urgent need for alternative communication between patients and dental professionals. In this context, tele-dentistry has emerged as a critical, yet underexplored, solution for sustaining oral healthcare delivery. This study aimed to assess the acceptance and readiness for tele-dentistry among dental professionals in Sudan.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 497 Sudanese dental professionals using a self-administered questionnaire based on the Tele-dentistry Acceptance Survey- Dentist Version (TAS-D). Data were analysed using R statistical software (version 4.3.2). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Bivariate analyses were conducted using the Wilcoxon rank-sum and Pearson's Chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of acceptance of tele-dentistry.

Overall, 59.8% (n = 297) of respondents reported a favourable attitude toward the future use of tele-dentistry. Acceptance of tele-dentistry use was significantly associated with academic qualification and work setting. Denttal professionals with an MSc degree had higher odds of acceptance compared to those with a BDS (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.39-7.10, p = 0.007). Working in an academic setting also increased the likelihood of acceptance (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.18-2.59, p = 0.005). Conversely, specialists were less likely to accept tele-dentistry than general practitioners (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.15-0.90, p = 0.033). Stratified analysis indicated that academic qualification and work setting remained significant predictors only among general practitioners.

A significant proportion of Sudanese dental professionals favour the use of tele -dentistry in the future, particularly those with postgraduate qualifications and those working in academic settings. These findings provide important insights to guide the development of tele-dentistry policies and capacity-building initiatives in Sudan.