Awareness of Tele - Dentistry among Dental Practitioners of Bathinda City: A Questionnaire Survey

Dr Prabhsimar, Dr Ridhi Narang

Abstract: Aim: To identify the knowledge, attitude and practices of tele dentistry among dental practitioners of Bathinda city. Materials and Methods: 140 dental practitioners having their dental clinics in any area of Bathinda city, Punjab were interviewed through a questionnaire. Registered dental practitioners of Bathinda city with at least a Bachelors of Dental surgery (BDS) who gives consent to be a part of the study were included in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions comprising of questions of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding tele dentistry. Results: Almost 71.9% of the participants had heard about tele dentistry and 75.5% believed it can be helpful in - patient education. Almost every statement of attitude assessment regarding tele dentistry among participants was found to be neutral. Only 13.7% participants would not accept to give tele dentistry care and around 15% would not accept to receive tele dentistry care. Conclusion: Thus, awareness regarding tele dentistry should be achieved by conducting continuing dental education programs, seminars, webinars etc.

Keywords: Tele dentistry, Teleconsultation, Telediagnosis, Telehealth, Telecommunication