TELE-DENTISTRY A NEW HORIZON OF DENTISTRY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

A new term e-dentistry or tele-dentistry is getting popularity these days in e-health which uses electronic processes and communication for the transfer of dental health resources and health-care by electronic means. Practice of e-dentistry is not adequate in Pakistan. Objective:The main objective of the study was to assess Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists towards Tele-Dentistry in Pakistan. Place and duration of study: this was conducted in Arm Forces Institute Of Dentistry Rawalpindi and Allied Hospital Faisalabad from January 2016 to September 2018.  Methodology: The data were collected through the self designed questionnaire. Study sample (n=155) included 92 males and 63 females. Mean age of male respondents was 29.57±5.3 years and the mean age of female respondents was 29.2±5.3 years. Results: According to the results of the study 37.4% respondents reported “yes” about knowledge about e-health. 23.9% reported “yes” about the knowledge of Open Dental or Free Dental software. 13.5% respondents had knowledge about the databases used now a days. 72.3% didn’t mention any use of e-health. 30.3% respondents had attended seminar on e-health. No respondent had practiced tele-dental health. 38.1% respondents agreed for practicability of e-health. 39.35% respondents reported that tele-dentistry can be practiced in Pakistan. 21% respondents recommended some areas where tele-dentistry can be applied. Conclusion: There are still significant gaps in the facts between where e-health is used and where its use is supported by high-quality evidence. Tele-dentistry has a potential to benefit the Pakistan’s healthcare system in terms of preventive care and disease treatment.

Key Words: Communication, e-dental health, Healthcare, Tele-dentistry Knowledge, Practice.