Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Tele-dentistry, a relatively new approach in the field of dentistry, has emerged as a promising tool to enhance access to dental care services. This thesis aims to assess the efficacy of tele-dentistry in improving access to dental care, with a focus on its impact on patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative analysis of patient data with qualitative interviews of dental practitioners and patients utilizing tele-dentistry services. The introduction provides a background to the growing importance of tele-dentistry in addressing barriers to traditional dental care services, such as geographical distance, cost, and limited availability of providers. The problem statement highlights the gaps in existing research regarding the effectiveness of tele-dentistry interventions and the need for more comprehensive evaluation of its impact on patient care. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients receiving tele-dentistry services compared to traditional in-person care, assess the cost-effectiveness of tele-dentistry interventions, and explore patient and provider satisfaction with tele-dentistry. Limitations of the study include the potential for selection bias in patient recruitment and the need for further research to establish long-term outcomes of tele-dentistry interventions. The scope of the study encompasses patients accessing tele-dentistry services within a specific geographical region, focusing on both preventive and restorative dental care services. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients about the benefits and challenges of implementing tele-dentistry as a viable alternative to traditional dental care delivery models. The structure of the thesis consists of five chapters, including an introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage for the study, providing a rationale for examining the efficacy of tele-dentistry in improving access to dental care. The literature review synthesizes existing research on tele-dentistry, highlighting key findings and gaps in the literature that the current study aims to address. The research methodology section outlines the study design, sampling procedures, data collection methods, and analysis techniques employed to evaluate the efficacy of tele-dentistry interventions. Data collection includes patient surveys, dental records review, and semi-structured interviews with providers and patients. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the study, comparing outcomes between tele-dentistry and traditional care settings and exploring themes emerging from qualitative interviews. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on tele-dentistry by providing a comprehensive assessment of its efficacy in improving access to dental care. The findings have implications for healthcare policy and practice, highlighting the potential of tele-dentistry to expand the reach of dental services and improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of tele-dentistry interventions on oral health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the Efficacy of Tele-dentistry in Improving Access to Dental Care" focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of tele-dentistry in enhancing access to dental services. Tele-dentistry, a branch of telemedicine, involves the use of technology and telecommunication to provide dental care remotely. In recent years, tele-dentistry has gained significant attention as a potential solution to address barriers to accessing traditional in-person dental services, particularly in underserved and rural areas. The research aims to explore the impact of tele-dentistry on improving access to dental care by assessing various aspects such as patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, quality of care, and overall outcomes. By leveraging technological advancements, tele-dentistry has the potential to bridge the gap between patients and dental providers, enabling remote consultations, diagnostics, treatment planning, and monitoring. This study will delve into the existing literature on tele-dentistry, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and implications for dental healthcare delivery. Through a comprehensive review of relevant studies and data, the research seeks to provide insights into the effectiveness of tele-dentistry in reaching populations with limited access to traditional dental services. Furthermore, the project will employ a mixed-methods approach to gather data, including surveys, interviews, and case studies, to evaluate the practical implementation of tele-dentistry initiatives and their impact on improving access to dental care. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, the research aims to generate evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the dental industry. Overall, the project "Assessment of the Efficacy of Tele-dentistry in Improving Access to Dental Care" contributes to the growing body of knowledge on telemedicine applications in dentistry and offers insights into the potential of tele-dentistry to address disparities in dental healthcare access. Through a comprehensive research overview, this study aims to inform decision-making processes and facilitate the integration of tele-dentistry into mainstream dental practice to enhance patient outcomes and promote oral health equity.