There’s a lot of talk about what we call the “new-normal.” Related (on topic) will teledentistry be part of the “norm” for dental care?
That’s a question involving patient perspective and how the patient-facing benefits of teledentistry line up with their expectations.
We’ve mentioned before that teledentistry as a service goes back to the early 2010’s. Much has evolved around the technology and with it patient optimism.
Factor in the COVID-19 pandemic and you’re seeing even more relevance for virtual dentistry.
Survey data reveals some of that optimism.
”…78 percent of patients believing they are likely to use it within the next five years.” [1]
The related survey focused on a few patient-facing factors that included:
”For most patients, virtual dental care is not a futuristic idea, and they are ready to embrace it. Their optimistic perspective on it is a clear sign that is not just a passing trend. Teledentistry is gaining momentum and patients are eager to see it as an integral part of mainstream oral care.” [3]
The reigning optimism comes from the patient perspective. Their optimistic outlook for virtual dentistry alongside a growing list of providers (using it) makes their perspective a priority as you innovate around the service.
It’s essential to understand how your patients are embracing this “new norm” and what patients desire from teledentistry.
A few core factors are helping shape their ongoing opinions about virtual dental care. These will also provide guidance as you integrate teledentistry into your patient experience.
Start with the realization that many patients aren’t up to speed on using the term “teledentistry.” For example, when they search for the service online they might use search language like “virtual dentistry,” “online dental appointments,” or the broader more familiar words such as “telehealth” or “telemedicine for dentists,” etc.
In essence, make it part of your patient care “language.”
Synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous (stored, shared) interactions are the doors to your virtual environment. The virtual dental home concept is becoming another extension of patient care.
Your patients are accustomed to utilizing their personal digital technology to engage family, friends, retail and dining choices and…their healthcare providers.
An app-centric world keeps them tethered to their smart devices. Patients expect the same when they access, share, and interact with you.
A virtual dentistry environment is about more than video communication. That’s one part of a broader digital patient portal.
It’s essential to utilize a virtual dental home model that has the capability to securely house the information discussed, shared, and obtained during a teledentistry consultation.
Virtual dental care gives your patient one more opportunity to access your expertise and services. Not all will choose it or be comfortable in the environment.
But user-preference is on the rise!
Check out these resources for more insight into the optimism around teledentistry and its impact on your patient relationships:
It’s Time for Teledentistry Adoption Inside and Outside the Pandemic Context
Why Teledentistry is a Here-to-Stay as a Sustainable Service
Teledentix is an innovative, turn-key teledentistry solution created by Virtual Dental Care. The all-in-one platform will enable you to adapt teledentistry to your patient care and extend your services beyond the walls of your dental practice…and improve your patient care in the process.
LEARN MORE about the Teledentix platform.
[1] https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/78-of-patients-likely-to-use-virtual-dental-care-survey-finds
[2] https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/78-of-patients-likely-to-use-virtual-dental-care-survey-finds
[3] https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/78-of-patients-likely-to-use-virtual-dental-care-survey-finds