Perceptions and utilization of tele-orthodontics: a survey among orthodontists

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Orthodontics, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Delta Universty for Science and Technology, Egypt.

2 1. Lecturer of Orthodontics, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Delta University for Science and Technology, Egypt

3 Professor of Orthodontics-Faculty of Dentistry- Mansoura University

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to highlight the clinical applications, limitations, and problems of tele-orthodontics and examine how Egyptian orthodontists use and perceive its efficacy. Additionally, it will compare the demographics, clinical backgrounds, and opinions of tele-orthodontics users and non-users.
Materials and Methods: Orthodontists were given a 30-item online survey. The questionnaire covered issues related to orthodontists' use, opinions, clinical uses, restrictions, and worries regarding tele-orthodontics. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare responses from users and non-users, and descriptive statistics were used.
Results: The survey was completed by 164 individuals. The majority of respondents (71.9%) did not use tele-orthodontics. Between users and non-users, age differences were significantly significant (P<0.0001). Compared to non-users (76.1% vs. 45.8%), private practitioners represented the majority of users. For the first 3-6 months until now, the majority of users (39.2%) began utilizing the system during the pandemic. Among system users, intraoral and extraoral photo sharing (60.9%) and video conversations (39.1%) are the most common tele-orthodontic communication protocols. Both adults and children can benefit from tele-orthodontics (63.0% of users vs. 69.5% of non-users). According to the majority of responders, the system was useful for keeping track of patients undergoing clear aligner therapy and for handling emergencies (P=0.229). In follow-up appointments for Dental Monitoring and in handling emergencies (P=0.032).
Conclusions: The low rate of tele-orthodontics among Egyptian orthodontists was apparent might be due to numerous challenges.

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