The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine across the healthcare sector, and dentistry was no exception. Teledentistry, the use of telecommunications technology for dental care, has since become a key trend reshaping the dental industry market. While it may not replace in-person visits, it is proving to be a powerful tool for improving access to care, enhancing patient monitoring, and streamlining practice workflows.

Teledentistry can take many forms. It can be a simple virtual consultation where a dentist reviews a patient’s concerns via video call, advising them on whether an in-person visit is necessary. It can also be a more sophisticated system where a patient takes a picture of their mouth with a smartphone and sends it to their dentist for an initial assessment. This is particularly useful for post-operative check-ups or for monitoring the progress of orthodontic treatments.

The benefits of this technology are significant. It helps to overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients in rural or underserved areas to access specialist advice. It also provides a convenient way for patients to get quick answers to their dental questions without having to take time off work for a full appointment. As more patients embrace remote healthcare, teledentistry is set to become a standard and integrated part of modern dental practice.