Knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of dental surgeons regarding teleodontology
Keywords:
attitude; dentists; knowledge; perception; teledentistryAbstract
Introduction: Teledentistry is considered an essential tool in modern dental practice, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there remains considerable variability in dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding its.
Objective: Analyze the available scientific evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of dental surgeons regarding teleodontology.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in the Scopus, PubMed, and Scielo databases, with no restrictions on year of publication, including original articles in English or Spanish that addressed the knowledge, attitude, or perception of dental surgeons regarding teleodontology. A total of 239 records were identified, and after applying the selection criteria, 24 studies were included.
Results: The studies evaluated were mainly cross-sectional in design with online questionnaires. Most dentists demonstrated adequate conceptual knowledge of teledentistry and recognized its benefits for remote care, although deficiencies were evident in regulatory, ethical, and technical aspects. Attitudes were predominantly positive, valuing its usefulness in reducing costs and improving access in rural areas. Perceptions were favorable in terms of efficiency and patient education, but doubts persisted about diagnostic accuracy and the necessary technological infrastructure.
Conclusions: Dental surgeons demonstrate sufficient knowledge, favorable attitudes, and positive perceptions toward teledentistry, attributing it with high potential as a complementary tool for clinical practice.
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