Exploring Clinicians' and Patients' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Tele-dentistry: Implications for Oral Health Access and Equity

Abstract

Introduction: The study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental clinicians and patients towards tele-dentistry and digital health technologies, and how these factors influence equitable oral health access. By identifying potential barriers and facilitators, this investigation strives to contribute evidence-based insights for policymakers and oral healthcare stakeholders, fostering an inclusive and efficient tele-dentistry ecosystem. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted amongst the Dental Clinicians and the patients for a duration of 4 months in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee. A list of dentists registered in the Dental Council of India, Uttar Pradesh was obtained from the DCI website. The chi-square test was used to analyze the inter-group data. Result: 500 dentists and 500 patients took part in the present questionnaire study. A total of 477 filled questionnaires were obtained from the Dentists and 489 filled questionnaires were obtained from the patients. SPSS version 2018 was utilized for statistical analysis.