The more something’s accepted there’s a greater potential for improvement. Perhaps that’s true when considering teledentistry best practices.
Virtual visits have crossed the gauntlet from “why?” to “why not?” Though skeptics exist, teledentistry adoption is more the norm than the exception.
With that in mind it’s vital that your teledentistry protocol and workflow align with power-user’s best practices.
There are more granular uses of teledentistry we could discuss in the best-practice zone. But let’s narrow the service to its basic functions.
Real-time patient communication
Synchronous visits happen on a live video connection between you and your patient. It’s a personal conversation that allows for questions, answers, and diagnostic details (including imaging).
Stored/shared communication
An asynchronous visit maximizes the use of images, digital impressions, health history, and relevant video content. You and/or a referral resource can also view and collaborate on your patient’s condition to provide solutions and diagnosis.
Monitored communication
Your patent’s relevant health information can be obtained and reviewed for diagnostic and treatment follow-up.
Best practice protocols will apply to these common and fundamental uses of teledentistry. That said, let’s explore some core virtual dental care benchmarks.
Keep in mind that you can use teledentistry for specific patient treatment scenarios. As with most technology innovations, it’s a tool you can leverage in a variety of ways.
However you use teledentistry, the advantages benefit your patients, your team, and your clinical expertise.
The ADA (American Dental Association) has outlined guidelines for teledentistry. It follows that most state governments and dental boards have also adopted their own set of standards for virtual visits.
For example, Texas passed legislation on teledentistry (June 2021) that opened the door to its broader use statewide.
Best practices:
Some patients might consider teledentistry to be a risk when it comes to HIPAA compliance. It’s important to safeguard their trust and inform them that their privacy remains a priority in the virtual environment as well.
The protections under HIPAA still apply to virtual visits.
Best practices:
You probably gave a substantial amount of thought to launching your dental practice. You dotted every “i” and crossed every “t,” right?
The same due diligence applies to setting up your “virtual practice” for teledentistry visits.
The following best practices cover the gamut for successful teledentistry delivery.
And this is essential and highly recommended…
Check out the following resources for more best-practice insight into teledentistry:
Improve Continuity of Care and Care Coordination Using Teledentistry
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.