Remote appointments in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery: Part 2 clinician perceptions.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess clinician perceptions of and satisfaction with remote appointments in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS).

Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

Setting: Orthodontic and OMFS departments in six acute NHS hospital Trusts in the UK.

Participants: A total of 36 (a mixture of consultants, specialty doctors, registrars and therapists in both orthodontics and OMFS) completed responses were received.

Method: Once piloted, questionnaires were disseminated across six hospital Trusts to orthodontic and OMFS clinicians. A combination of face-to-face (F2F) and online dissemination was used.

Results: A total of 28 of 36 (77.8%) questionnaires were completed, 75% (n = 21) by orthodontic clinicians and 25% (n = 7) by OMFS clinicians. A 100% (n = 21) response rate was achieved for orthodontic clinicians, compared to a 47% (n = 7/15) response rate for OMFS clinicians. High levels of clinician satisfaction were found for clinician confidentiality; however, concerns remained around patient confidentiality and the inability to conduct a clinical examination. The majority (n = 21, 75%) of clinicians felt that remote appointments had their place in the post-pandemic era, particularly for retainer reviews in orthodontics and biopsy results in OMFS.

Conclusion: When appropriately triaged, the majority of remote appointments do save a face-to-face visit, and there is a place for remote platforms in both specialties going forward. However further research is required in the post-pandemic era to ascertain the full long-term applicability of remote orthodontic and OMFS consultations.