JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Amid COVID-19, and other possible future infectious disease pandemics, dentistry needs to consider modified dental examination regimens that render quality care, are cost effective, and ensure the safety of patients and the Dental Health Care Personnel (DHCP). Traditional dental examinations, more than 300 million per year in the US, rely on person-to-person tactile examinations, pose challenges to infection control, and consume large quantities of advanced level personal protective equipment (PPE). Therefore, our long-term goal is to develop an innovative mDentistry (mDent) mode that takes these issues into account. This model supplements the traditional dental practice with virtual visits, supported by mobile devices such as mobile telephones, tablets, and wireless infrastructure. The mDent model leverages the advantages of digital mHealth tools, such as intraoral cameras, to deliver virtual oral examinations, treatment planning, and interactive oral health management, on a broad population basis. The conversion of the traditional dental examinations to mDent virtual examinations builds upon i) reliability of teledentistry that uses intraoral photos and live videos to make diagnostic decisions, and ii) a rapid advancement of mHealth tools utilization.

Objective:

Objectives: In this pilot project, we design a two-stage implementation study to assess two critical components of the mDent model: virtual hygiene examination (eHygiene); and patient self-taken intraoral photos (SELFIE). Our specific aims are: i) Assess the acceptance and barriers of mDent eHygiene among patients and DHCP (AIM 1); ii) Assess the economic impact of mDent eHygiene (AIM 2); and iii) Assess patient’s capability of generating intraoral photos using mHealth tools (exploratory AIM 3 SELFIE).

Methods:

Methods:

This study will access the rich resources of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, recruit 12 dentists, 12 hygienists and 144 patients from 12 practices. For AIM 1 and 2, we will use role-specific questionnaires to collect quantitative data on eHygiene acceptance and economic impact. The questionnaire components include participant characteristics, system usability scale, dentist-patient communication scale, practice operation cost and patient opportunity cost. We will further conduct a series of iterative qualitative research activities using individual interviews to further elicit feedback and suggestion for changes in the mDent eHygiene model. For AIM 3, we will use mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) to assess patient’s capability of taking intra-oral photos, via analyzing obtained photos and recorded videos.

Results:

Results:

The study is supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, USA. This study received ‘single’ IRB approval and will launch in August, 2021. Data collection and analysis are expected to conclude by December 2021 and March 2022, respectively.

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

The study results will inform the logistics of conducting virtual dental examinations and empowering patients with mHealth tools, providing better safety and preserving PPEs amid the COVID-19 and possible future pandemics.