Assessment of the Efficacy of Tele-dentistry in Improving Access to Dental Care

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Tele-dentistry, a relatively new approach in the field of dentistry, has emerged as a promising tool to enhance access to dental care services. This thesis aims to assess the efficacy of tele-dentistry in improving access to dental care, with a focus on its impact on patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative analysis of patient data with qualitative interviews of dental practitioners and patients utilizing tele-dentistry services. The introduction provides a background to the growing importance of tele-dentistry in addressing barriers to traditional dental care services, such as geographical distance, cost, and limited availability of providers. The problem statement highlights the gaps in existing research regarding the effectiveness of tele-dentistry interventions and the need for more comprehensive evaluation of its impact on patient care. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients receiving tele-dentistry services compared to traditional in-person care, assess the cost-effectiveness of tele-dentistry interventions, and explore patient and provider satisfaction with tele-dentistry. Limitations of the study include the potential for selection bias in patient recruitment and the need for further research to establish long-term outcomes of tele-dentistry interventions. The scope of the study encompasses patients accessing tele-dentistry services within a specific geographical region, focusing on both preventive and restorative dental care services. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients about the benefits and challenges of implementing tele-dentistry as a viable alternative to traditional dental care delivery models. The structure of the thesis consists of five chapters, including an introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage for the study, providing a rationale for examining the efficacy of tele-dentistry in improving access to dental care. The literature review synthesizes existing research on tele-dentistry, highlighting key findings and gaps in the literature that the current study aims to address. The research methodology section outlines the study design, sampling procedures, data collection methods, and analysis techniques employed to evaluate the efficacy of tele-dentistry interventions. Data collection includes patient surveys, dental records review, and semi-structured interviews with providers and patients. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the study, comparing outcomes between tele-dentistry and traditional care settings and exploring themes emerging from qualitative interviews. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on tele-dentistry by providing a comprehensive assessment of its efficacy in improving access to dental care. The findings have implications for healthcare policy and practice, highlighting the potential of tele-dentistry to expand the reach of dental services and improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of tele-dentistry interventions on oral health outcomes and patient satisfaction.