80 - Synchronous Teledentistry in a University Pediatric Dentistry Clinic: Impact on Access to Care

Abstract:

Purpose: Few studies have evaluated the impact of teledentistry on access to dental care. This study assessed whether having a new patient synchronous teledentistry visit improved access to care compared to referred patients seen only in person by comparing treatment completion and second-visit attendance.

Methods: The charts of children referred to a university dental setting from July 2020 and June 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Of 654 children referred, 82 (12.5%) had a new patient visit by teledentistry. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to compare treatment completion and second-visit attendance by intake modality (teledentistry vs. in person). Separate analyses were conducted for children treated in the operating room and the dental clinic, in addition to the full sample.

Results: Children in the teledentistry group were slightly more likely to complete treatment (84% vs. 74%; p= 0.159) and attend the second visit (83% vs. 74%; p=0.090) than the in-person group. Children seen by teledentistry did not have significantly different odds of treatment completion (OR, 0.974; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.02; p=0.940) or second visit attendance (OR, 0.632; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.29; p=0.695) relative to children with an initial visit in person. The dental clinic and OR subgroups had similar trends.

Conclusion: Children seen for an initial visit by teledentistry or in person can achieve comparable degrees of treatment completion and second-visit attendance. Our results suggest that teledentistry can effectively supplement in-person care for the management of dental treatment needs among vulnerable children, and thereby improve access to care.

Source of Funding: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2,781,283, with 0 percent financed by non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Affiliations: Dr. Iribarren is a recent graduate in the Dental Public Health program in the department Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry; Dr. Reynolds is an assistant professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry and health policy research fellow at the Public Policy Center; Dr. Leary is a clinical professor and program director in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry; Dr. Lesch is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry; Dr. Warren is a professor, program director, and interim DEO in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry; Tabitha Peters is a biostatistician in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, all within the University of Iowa. Dr. McLaren is Chief Quality, Compliance and Safety Officer and Medical Director for Eastman Institute for Oral Health.