Feasibility of teledentistry in population groups: Introducing a matrix model for its assessment

Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic has seen a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare organizations to improve their utilization of digital platforms to supplement the reach of conventional healthcare services. In the wake of this crisis, dentistry is on the cusp of a major overhaul, promoting preventive practices and a rapid shift to teledentistry platforms. A random push to adapt to teledentistry platforms may cause the straining of available resources and manpower, especially in sectors involved in the care of vulnerable population groups like children, individuals with special needs and those in the low socioeconomic strata. It is thus advisable to make this transition systematically, beginning with an analysis of feasibility, done periodically, to maximize efficiency. Described in this article is a system to facilitate this transition by utilizing a matrix model, laying foundation for assessment of feasibility based on target population characteristics. It calls for the improvement of population characteristics to reduce strain on the healthcare sector using key indicators of the model, paired against potential barriers, and is described using a case study from the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of World Medical & Health Policy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)