Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the effectiveness of teledentistry in providing remote oral health consultations and care. Teledentistry, the use of telecommunication technology to provide dental care and consultation remotely, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve access to oral health services, especially in underserved and remote areas. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of teledentistry on the delivery of oral health services, patient outcomes, and overall satisfaction. The research methodology employed in this study includes a comprehensive literature review to examine the existing evidence on teledentistry and its effectiveness in improving access to oral health care. The study also involves the collection and analysis of primary data through surveys and interviews with dental professionals, patients, and other stakeholders involved in teledentistry services. The findings of this research highlight the benefits of teledentistry in providing convenient and timely access to dental care, particularly for individuals in rural and remote areas. The study also identifies challenges and limitations associated with the implementation of teledentistry, such as technological barriers, regulatory issues, and patient acceptance. The discussion of findings delves into the implications of the research results for oral health policy, practice, and future research directions. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating teledentistry into mainstream oral health care delivery systems to address disparities in access to dental services and improve overall oral health outcomes. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the potential of teledentistry as a valuable tool for expanding access to oral health care and improving patient outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, dental practitioners, and other stakeholders seeking to leverage technology to enhance the delivery of oral health services and promote oral health equity.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Investigating the effectiveness of teledentistry in providing remote oral health consultations and care" aims to explore the potential benefits and limitations of utilizing teledentistry as a method for delivering oral health consultations and care remotely. Teledentistry, which involves the use of telecommunications technology to provide dental services and consultations, has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential to improve access to oral health care, particularly in underserved or remote areas. The project will delve into the background of teledentistry, examining its evolution, current applications, and the technology involved in facilitating remote consultations and care. The research will also address the problem statement, highlighting the existing challenges and gaps in traditional oral health care delivery that teledentistry seeks to address. The objectives of the study include evaluating the effectiveness of teledentistry in improving access to oral health services, assessing patient satisfaction with remote consultations, and exploring the feasibility of implementing teledentistry in different dental settings. The study will also consider the limitations of teledentistry, such as technological barriers, regulatory issues, and potential challenges in ensuring the quality of care delivered remotely. The scope of the research will encompass a review of existing literature on teledentistry, an analysis of case studies and best practices from different regions, and potentially, a pilot study to gather empirical data on the outcomes of teledentistry interventions. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform policymakers, dental practitioners, and healthcare providers about the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting teledentistry as a means of expanding access to oral health care. The structure of the thesis will consist of several chapters, including the introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. Each chapter will be meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the research process, findings, and implications for the field of dentistry and public health. Overall, this research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on teledentistry and its role in enhancing access to oral health care, especially for populations facing barriers to traditional dental services. By investigating the effectiveness of teledentistry in providing remote oral health consultations and care, this study seeks to shed light on innovative solutions for improving oral health outcomes and promoting health equity in diverse communities.