Benefits and barriers of teledentistry and in-person care for patients during the Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Authors

  • Dafna Benadof Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
  • Alejandra Rojas Olivares Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
  • Gastón Salgado Silva Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
  • Ignacio Tamayo Pino Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.02.654.753

Keywords:

telemedicine, dentistry, COVID-19

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on in-person dental care, driving the adoption of teleodontics as a virtual mode of healthcare delivery. This has led to a significant transformation in the interaction between dental professionals and patients, adapting to new ways of meeting their healthcare needs. 

Objective: To explore the benefits and barriers associated with in-person dental care and teleodontics from the perspective of patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Methodology: An exploratory and descriptive qualitative study was conducted. A total of 20 qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals who had used dental services both in-person and online during the Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative thematic analysis of the collected information was performed. 

Results: In in-person care, patients placed importance on the implemented biosecurity measures, and fear of contagion emerged as one of the main reasons for avoiding this mode of care. However, patients positively valued the ability to address their dental problems immediately. On the other hand, in teleodontics, they mentioned being unaware of this service and were motivated by the desire to avoid the risk of contagion. However, they pointed out challenges related to the need to demonstrate autonomy in performing certain exams by themselves. 

Conclusion: In-person dental care remains essential for many patients, and the implementation of rigorous biosecurity standards should not pose a risk of contagion. On the other hand, teleodontics presents itself as a valuable alternative for those patients who do not require immediate clinical intervention, and it is mostly well-evaluated by those who have experienced it. 

Author Biographies

Dafna Benadof, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Profesor Asociado, Universidad Andrés Bello, Facultad de Odontología, dafna.benadof@unab.cl; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0788-2678

Alejandra Rojas Olivares, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Profesor Asistente,  Universidad Andrés Bello, Facultad de Odontología, alerojasolivares@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8774-3092

Gastón Salgado Silva, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Cirujano Dentista,  Universidad Andrés Bello, Facultad de Odontología, gf.pipee@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/ 0009-0003-6663-5148 

Ignacio Tamayo Pino, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Cirujano Dentista,  Universidad Andrés Bello, Facultad de Odontología, i.tamayo0894@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1749-6241

Published

2024-05-20

How to Cite

Benadof, D., Rojas Olivares, A., Salgado Silva, G., & Tamayo Pino, I. (2024). Benefits and barriers of teledentistry and in-person care for patients during the Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Salud Uninorte, 40(2), 373–385. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.02.654.753

Issue

Section

Original Article

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