IADR Abstract Archives

Teledentistry for the Promotion and Prevention of Oral Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: The pandemic for SARS-CoV-2 will accelerate digital transformations in dentistry. Hence, remote approaches for promotion and prevention in oral health will become part of the dental armamentarium. Yet, evidence available on the use of teledentistry in dental practice is rather scarce, lacking consensus about its effectiveness. The aim of this systematic review (SR) of the literature, therefore, was to evaluate the current use and effectiveness of teledentistry, compared to conventional strategies, in patients of any age.
Methods: The SR protocol was submitted to PROSPERO. An exhaustive search through MEDLINE, WoS, and SCOPUS databases was conducted using a predefined searching strategy. No year or language limits were applied. Studies were screened by title and abstract, and after full-text review, any study carried out in humans meeting the eligibility criteria (PICOS question) were included. Studies selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment (Cochrane Risk of Bias tool) were done independently and in duplicate. Homogenous data were quantitatively summarized (meta-analysis).
Results: Out of the 444 titles found, 24 were eligible for full-text review. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (3 on orthodontics; 1 on paediatrics, and 1 on periodontics) were included. Virtual interventions were asynchronous using apps (n=4), whatsApp groups (n=1), notifications as reminders (n=3), or PowerPoint slides (n=1) to deliver educational content. The overall risk of bias was low. Teledentistry using smartphone notifications, and other Apps were comparable and slightly more effective than face-to-face strategies at reducing gingival inflammation (I2=90%;p=0.25) and plaque index (I2=86%;p=0.08).
Conclusions: Low amount of studies, mainly restricted to asynchronous and non-personalized education in young populations, appear to demonstrate that teledentistry is effective in reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation. Teledentistry is a promising additional tool for post COVID-19 dentistry.

2020 Chilean Division Meeting (Virtual)

2020

Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Health Services Research
  • Maturana, Catalina  ( Universidad de Talca , Talca , Maule Region , Chile )
  • Coloma, Sebastián  ( Universidad de Talca , Talca , Maule Region , Chile )
  • Giacaman, Rodrigo A.  ( Universidad de Talca , Talca , Maule Region , Chile )
  • Fernández, Constanza  ( Universidad de Talca , Talca , Maule Region , Chile )
  • NONE
    Poster Session
    Poster Session A