Comparative Effectiveness Study of Two Screening Methods for Dental Caries

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of Teledentistry as a screening method for dental caries in preschool children. Methods: Caries prevalence was determined in a cohort of urban preschool children 12-60 months of age. Children were randomized into two panels: panel I received a visual/tactile oral examination and panel II received a teledentistry examination. Results: Of 286 children examined, approximately 27% had caries experience. The mean dfs score for all children was 1.58 (SD=4.11) with a range of 0-34 carious surfaces. The mean dfs score for the children examined by means of Teledentistry was 1.95 (SD=4.48) and for the children examined by means of the visual/tactile method, the mean dfs was 1.26 (SD=3.78); the means between the two panels were not significantly different (Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test, p>.05). Referrals for preventive or restorative care were provided for all children participating in the study. Conclusion: The results of this field study suggest that dental screening by means of Teledentistry maybe an acceptable substitute for caries exams performed by a trained and calibrated dentist, as well as a highly cost-effective method for oral health surveys of preschool children. Teledentistry also has potential utility as a screening tool for older children and adults, as well as a method of consultation with specialists for rural dwelling individuals with poor access to oral health care.

Supported by NIH/NIDCR K23 DE 017230