Key Points
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Increases awareness of how GDPs perceive the benefits of teledentistry for orthodontic referrals.
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Before teledentistry becomes more widespread, we have information regarding GDP opinion on such a referral system.
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It will be important to address GDP concerns about setting up expenses and appropriate remuneration for teledentistry referrals.
Abstract
Objective To evaluate GDP opinion about a teledentistry system to screen new patient orthodontic referrals.
Study design Cross-sectional questionnaire.
Sample Two hundred general dental practitioners (GDPs) were approached from Stockport, Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and Bolton in Greater Manchester, and High Peak in Derbyshire.
Method A questionnaire about a teledentistry system for new orthodontic patients was developed, following interviews with eight GDPs participating in a teledentistry trial. The questionnaire was posted to another 200 GDPs who were asked questions on issues such as the efficiency of a teledentistry system; the usefulness of a teledentistry system from the patients' point of view; their view of a teledentistry system; and any concerns they had relating to security, confidentiality and consent.
Results Seventy one per cent of GDPs thought teledentistry for orthodontic referrals would be a good idea. At least 90% of responders agreed or neither agreed nor disagreed that patients would benefit from such a system. Over half of GDPs agreed or strongly agreed that there would be implications on their surgery time, expense and equipment security.
Conclusions GDPs generally supported a teledentistry system for new patient orthodontic referrals. Although perceived patient advantages were agreed, GDPs tended to be less sure about the impact on them in terms of set-up expenses, time in the surgery and appropriate remuneration.
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Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of The British Dental Association Shirley Glasstone-Hughes Award, The British Orthodontic Society Houston Research Scholarship, GlaxoSmithKline, The Booth Charities, BNFL, The Roger Clutterbuck Charitable Trust, The Dalmia Charitable Fund.Thanks to the GDP practices who provided interview information to develop the questionnaire and those who responded to the questionnaire.
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Mandall, N., Quereshi, U. & Harvey, L. Teledentistry for screening new patient orthodontic referrals. Part 2: GDP perception of the referral system. Br Dent J 199, 727–729 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4812969
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4812969
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