Beyond Teledentistry: From Video Consultation to a Digital Oral Health Ecosystem
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the clinical, economic, and service quality outcomes of teledentistry and to explore emerging technological trends that are expected to drive future development, including interoperability, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Dental Things (IoDT), and value-based oral health care models.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2015 and 2025 using the keywords “teledentistry,” “digital health,” “AI in dentistry,” “remote monitoring,” and “interoperability.” Eligible studies included clinical trials, systematic and narrative reviews, and relevant professional guidelines. Data were synthesized narratively and grouped thematically.
RESULTS: Current evidence supports that teledentistry improves access to care, reduces costs, and yields clinical outcomes comparable to or better than conventional care in several contexts. The integration of AI and IoDT shows promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and longitudinal monitoring, while the adoption of interoperability standards such as fast healthcare interoperability resources (FHIR) and digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) facilitates secure and efficient clinical data exchange. Most available studies are concentrated in high-income countries, highlighting the need for further research in low- and middle-income settings to guide policy and implementation strategies.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights the importance of moving beyond conventional teledentistry toward a digitally integrated ecosystem that incorporates AI, IoDT, and standardized data exchange. Ethical frameworks, data protection regulations, and sustainable reimbursement policies will be critical to achieving equitable and scalable teledentistry services worldwide.
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