A comparative analysis of traditional dental screening versus smart phone screening

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are widely recognised for their substantial and adverse effects on the overall quality of life and well-being across the lifespan of individuals affected by them. The management of oral diseases imposes a significant financial burden on both a society and its constituents. The utilisation of technology in a suitable and effective manner can enhance the quality of life, serving as an indicator of good health. Teledentistry is a promising avenue for addressing the disparity in the provision and accessibility of dental healthcare services. This would facilitate the delivery of dental consultations to populations who face challenges in accessing or have limited availability of healthcare services, sometimes referred to as remote screening. Teledentistry presents supplementary opportunities that have significant value for contemporary dentistry. These include the provision of online consultations and the facilitation of secure and lawful transmission of patient data, referral letters, photos, and x-rays via mobile applications. AIM: This study aims to prove concordance in accuracy and reliability between mobile smartphone photography for remote screening of teeth compared to traditional chairside dental screening.