US Army teledentistry

Abstract

Two US Army pilot studies have shown that teledentistry can save patient travel and evacuations. As a result, the Army is beginning a large research project to determine the benefits and the costs involved in using telemedicine equipment to provide remote dental diagnosis and treatment. This study will measure the costs and benefits in the areas of dental consulting, referrals for care, home call, telementoring, dentist laboratory communications, continuing education, and group management. lt is expected that this study will provide sufficient data to construct a business case for the implementation of this technology throughout the entire Army.