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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Utilising Teledentistry for Interdisciplinary Oral Assessment in Older Patients: An International Cross-Sectional
Panagiota Chatzidou1, Olga Naka1, John Fanourgiakis2
1Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Abstract:
Background/Objective: The increasing global population of older adults presents significant challenges for oral healthcare, particularly regarding the management of chronic conditions and prosthetic rehabilitation. Teledentistry, combined with intraoral scanning, offers a promising solution to enhance access, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinical outcomes in geriatric populations. This study aimed to evaluate the utilisation of intraoral digital scanning within teledentistry for interdisciplinary oral assessment of older patients. Specifically, it investigated current clinical practices, collaboration among healthcare professionals, and perceptions regarding the effectiveness, challenges, and future potential of teledentistry in prosthodontic care. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 84 healthcare professionals, including dentists, prosthodontists, and postgraduate students, recruited via an international network. Participants completed a 40-item electronic questionnaire covering demographics, clinical practice, digital technology use, interdisciplinary collaboration, and attitudes toward research and innovation. Descriptive statistics summarised responses, and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and Spearman correlations, examined associations between career stage, technology adoption, and interdisciplinary practices. Results: Early-career professionals demonstrated the highest adoption of intraoral scanning (76.3%), while mid-career adoption was lowest (28.6%). Sustained usage significantly increased after one year of adoption (93.8%). While 91.7% of respondents valued interdisciplinary care, active collaboration remained limited. Cost, technical barriers, and training gaps were identified as primary obstacles. Professionals perceived intraoral scanning as beneficial for prosthodontic outcomes and chronic inflammation management, though adoption was influenced by experience, systemic factors, and financial support. Conclusions: Teledentistry integrated with intraoral scanning has substantial potential to improve geriatric oral healthcare. Successful implementation depends on structured training, financial investment, and promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration. Future longitudinal and multicenter studies are warranted to evaluate clinical, economic, and patient-centred outcomes, supporting sustainable digital transformation in geriatric dental care.
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