Evaluation of knowledge, awareness, and perception toward the application of teledentistry on managing early childhood caries during COVID-19 among dental professionals in Kolkata, West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Teledentistry concerns with the utilization of telecommunication technology to provide clinical information, dental consultation, and treatment planning while avoiding direct personal contact with the patients. Its application is already established within the disciplines of oral medicine, orthodontic consultations, and early detection of caries.[1] Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the relevancy of teledentistry on managing early childhood caries (ECC) during the COVID-19 pandemic among dentists residing in Kolkata, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study using a 22-item prestructured, closed-ended questionnaire was conducted among dental professionals in Kolkata, West Bengal, to evaluate their knowledge on their thought that whether teledentistry can be implemented in the effective management of ECC. Results: A total of 108 participants responded to the survey. Knowledge and awareness regarding teledentistry and its use toward managing ECC is found to be high among postgraduates followed by Post Graduate Trainees (PGTs). The majority of the participants think teledentistry can increase the availability of specialists to rural and undeserving communities, where ECC is more prevalent (88%) and 73% of dentists are willing to practice teledentistry to bridge the gap of lack of health-care facilities to rural and undeserving communities for their dental needs. Conclusion: The majority of the BDS graduates and dentists doing private practice surveyed have less knowledge about teledentistry and awareness of ECC is less among dentists doing private practice. Education about teledentistry and ECC should be considered so that dentists can provide better oral health care.