Perception of a group of dentists about the use of teledentistry in the time of pandemic COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: Become acquainted with the perception of Peruvian clinical dentists about the use of teledentistry for dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted based on the phenomenographic method, and interviews were carried out with clinical dentists in the context of the quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Lima, Peru. The interviews were held on the Zoom platform, and the guide of key questions included the following items: previous knowledge about teledentistry, means of communication used with patients, experience in the virtual care of patients since the start of the quarantine, quality of diagnosis and treatment through teledentistry, teleconsultation fees, and benefits and limitations of teledentistry.

Results: Eleven of the 14 dentists considered that it is complicated to maintain distance communication, mainly in cases requiring the control of treatments already performed. The dentists interviewed think that a large number of the patients feel reassured when they maintain contact with their dentist, even if from a distance, reporting that teledentistry creates confidence in patients due to the frequent contact. They think that contact on the social networks may facilitate communication, which would be helpful in the case of introverted patients.

Conclusions: The dentists interviewed consider that the use of social networks and video calls is fundamental, for it makes it possible to maintain contact with their patients. They think that distance advice and recommendations may alleviate discomfort and reassure patients.