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Teledentistry

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Teledentistry is the delivery of dental care using telehealth information technology and methodology. Some examples include live video consultation and remote patient monitoring. Teledentistry services can include risk assessment, oral exams, self-management goal setting, and emergency care triage.

NNOHA has worked with health centers since Spring 2020 to develop and test a variety of strategies to deliver teledentistry services. This User’s Guide gives an overview of teledentistry, describes its use in health center dental programs, and includes practical tools for implementing teledentistry

What is Teledentistry?

Delivery System Design for Oral Health Equity Flowchart

  • Synchronous teledentistry is a “live” oral health visit. It includes a two-way interaction between a person and a provider using telehealth technology such as video.

    Here’s an example of a synchronous teledentistry visit:

  • Asynchronous teledentistry is also known as “store and forward.” This includes transferring health information (i.e. radiographs, videos, photos) through a secure electronic communications system to a provider. The provider reviews and uses the information to evaluate a patient’s condition or render a service outside of a real-time or live interaction. (American Dental Association)

    • NNOHA TD Readiness Assessment (v2)

      2022 NNOHA Teledentistry Symposium Q&A

      American Dental Association: Guide to Understanding and Documenting Teledentistry Events - January 2023

      Lessons Learned from the NNOHA Teledentistry Collaborative

      NNOHA - Generic Teledentistry Workflow (v7)

      NNOHA Webinar - Implementing Teledentistry During COVID-19 (Video)

      Neighborhood Health Center - Telehealth and Teledentistry Guide

      Selecting a Teledentistry Platform

      Teledentistry Platforms; developed by Dr McAllister Castelaz (2020)

    • Assessment Form

      FQHC Telehealth Video Series (Videos)

      Guidance Document for Patient Assessment via Synchronous Teledentistry - Mouthwatch

      NNOHA Teledentistry Visit Example (Video)

      Screening Form - English

      Screening Form - Spanish

      Taking Pictures (Provider)

    • Information for Patients: AT Still University

      Taking Pictures (Patient)

    • Example Job Description - Dental Assistant

      Example Job Description - Dental Navigator

      Example Job Description - RDH

      Example Memorandum of Understanding

      Sample Equipment List

      Sample Instrument List

      Sample Materials list

    Whether in the planning stages or while trying to expand an existing program, there are many considerations when implementing teledentistry.

    The resources and tools on this page will help health centers plan and implement teledentistry.

  • When implementing teledentistry, it is important to understand federal and state regulations. The following resources aim to provide general guidance related to teledentistry policies.

    American Dental Association Policy on Teledentistry

    Compilation of State Laws and Regulations Addressing Teledentistry or Telehealth Conducted by Oral Health Practitioners. States A-I

    Compilation of State Laws and Regulations Addressing Teledentistry or Telehealth Conducted by Oral Health Practitioners. States O-W

    Nationwide Survey of Teledentistry Regulations

    State Telehealth Laws and Medicaid Program Policies. Spring 2023

    Teledental Practice and Teledental encounters: An American Association of Teledentistry Position Paper

    Teledentistry Quick Facts. State-by-State Guide

    Variation in Teledentistry Regulation by State

    Note: policies change and evolve frequently, each health center should make sure to stay up to date on their state’s specific regulations.

  • These Promising Practices highlight how health centers and safety-net oral health programs have implemented teledentistry.

    ASTDD: Teledentistry Opportunities for Expanding the Capacity and Reach of the Oral Healthcare System

    Implementing a Pediatric Teledentistry Program

    Increasing Access to Care through Teledentistry: A NNOHA Promising Practice

    Teledentistry For Patients in Substance Use Treatment Centers

    Using Teledentistry to Ensure Continuity of Care during COVID-19

    Using Teledentistry to Improve Prenatal Care

  • Below is a list of published literature related to Teledentistry.

    Caring at a Distance: The Current State of Teledentistry

    Implementing Teledentistry: The Why and the How

    Interest in Teledentistry Continues to Grow

    Is an in-person exam really required for teledentistry?

    Provider Teledentistry Use Gains Traction During Covid-19

    Teledentistry Improving Oral Health Using Telehealth-Connected Teams

    The Virtual Dental Home. Improving the oral health of vulnerable and underserved populations using geographically distributed telehealth-enabled teams

    Using Telehealth Technologies to Improve Oral Health for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations

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NNOHA is the largest group of safety-net oral health practitioners in the country, and our members all share a commitment to increasing access to quality oral health care for underserved populations. NNOHA is committed to providing the highest quality resources and support designed to meet the unique needs of our members and their programs.

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