Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Tele-dentistry, the provision of dental care and consultations remotely using technology, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance access to oral health services. This thesis explores the efficacy of tele-dentistry for remote oral health consultations, aiming to assess its impact on patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and overall quality of care. The study is guided by a mixed-methods research design involving quantitative analysis of patient data and qualitative interviews with dental professionals and patients. The introduction provides an overview of tele-dentistry and its potential benefits and challenges in the context of oral health care delivery. The background of the study highlights the global burden of oral diseases and the disparities in access to dental services, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions such as tele-dentistry. The problem statement underscores the gaps in the existing literature regarding the effectiveness of tele-dentistry and the need for empirical evidence to support its implementation. The objectives of the study include evaluating the clinical outcomes of remote oral health consultations, examining the cost-effectiveness of tele-dentistry compared to traditional in-person care, and exploring the perspectives of dental professionals and patients on the use of tele-dentistry. The limitations of the study, including potential biases in data collection and sample size constraints, are acknowledged to provide a transparent assessment of the research findings. The scope of the study encompasses a diverse sample of dental patients receiving tele-dentistry services across different geographical locations, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of remote consultations. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform policy decisions and clinical practice guidelines related to tele-dentistry, ultimately improving access to quality oral health care for underserved populations. The structure of the thesis includes a detailed outline of the chapters, from the literature review to the research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. The definitions of key terms related to tele-dentistry and oral health are provided to facilitate a clear understanding of the research context. Overall, this thesis aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on tele-dentistry and its implications for oral health care delivery. By examining the efficacy of remote consultations in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs, this study seeks to advance the field of tele-dentistry and promote its integration into mainstream dental practice.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Efficacy of Tele-dentistry for Remote Oral Health Consultations" aims to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of utilizing tele-dentistry as a tool for providing oral health consultations remotely. Tele-dentistry is an emerging field that leverages technology to connect dental professionals with patients who may not have easy access to traditional in-person care. This research seeks to explore how tele-dentistry can bridge the gap in oral healthcare delivery, particularly in remote or underserved areas where access to dental services may be limited. The study will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on tele-dentistry, including its history, current applications, benefits, and challenges. This literature review will provide a solid foundation for understanding the evolution of tele-dentistry and its potential impact on improving oral health outcomes. Moving forward, the research will delve into the methodology used to assess the efficacy of tele-dentistry for remote oral health consultations. This will involve designing a study protocol, selecting appropriate research participants, and implementing tele-dentistry platforms for data collection and analysis. The methodology will also address ethical considerations and data privacy issues related to conducting remote consultations via technology. The findings from the research will be thoroughly discussed in the subsequent chapter, highlighting the strengths and limitations of tele-dentistry in the context of remote oral health consultations. The discussion will address key themes such as patient satisfaction, diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of tele-dentistry compared to traditional in-person care. Lastly, the project will conclude with a summary of the key findings and their implications for the field of dentistry. Recommendations for future research and practical applications of tele-dentistry in improving access to oral healthcare services will also be provided. Overall, this research aims to contribute valuable insights into the potential of tele-dentistry as a viable solution for expanding access to oral health consultations in remote or underserved areas. By exploring the efficacy of tele-dentistry and identifying its benefits and challenges, this project seeks to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders on how technology can be leveraged to enhance oral health outcomes for populations with limited access to traditional dental care services.