Feasibility assessment for using telehealth technology to improve access to dental care for rural and underserved populations

ObjectiveSouth Carolina Dental Association members were surveyed on telehealth knowledge, need, and interest in using it for access to care improvements.MethodsDependent variables were Medicaid patient population size (less than or greater than 10%), career stage (early to middle and advanced), and National Health Service Corps participation (yes or no). Practice and provider characteristics were screener questions. Data were collected electronically and analyzed with SAS. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted.ResultsMost (69.3%) reported some or no teledentistry knowledge. Distribution of needing consults was: endodontics (40.2%), oral-maxillofacial surgery (37.9%), orthodontia (30.7%), periodontics (28.4%), and pediatrics (12.5%). Consultations for diagnosis (72.9%), emergencies (56.7%), and continuing education (53.3%) were most frequently identified telehealth uses. Medicaid patient population size was the only dependent measure with statistical significance. Compared to <10% Medicaid, >10% was more likely to (1) frequently need consults for orthodontics (25.5% vs 43.4%, P = .0043) and pediatrics (5.9% vs 29.0%, P < .0001); (2) use telehealth for children with special health care needs (44.1% vs 65.8%, P = .0017), complex health conditions (54.3% vs 78.1%, P = .0004), conditions exacerbated by unmet dental needs (44.6% vs 65.8%, P = .0022); and (3) use telehealth for extending practice to underserved populations (14.6% vs 33.8%, P = .0004).ConclusionsDespite need for telehealth knowledge improvement, sufficient interest exists. Further study will determine if demand for teledentistry is in balance with consultant availability. It has been suggested that access to care improvements require capacity expansions in private practices. States will need to engage dental communities determine if teledentistry is an effective solution.