KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS TELEDENTISTRY
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KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS TELEDENTISTRY
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Advances in information and communication technology (ICT) have significantly transformed healthcare delivery across the globe. One such innovation is teledentistry, which refers to the use of telecommunication technologies to provide dental care, consultation, education, and public awareness remotely (Cook et al., 2017). Teledentistry enables dental professionals to diagnose oral conditions, provide preventive guidance, and consult with patients and other specialists without the constraints of physical distance.
Teledentistry has gained increased attention due to its potential to improve access to oral healthcare, particularly for populations in rural and underserved areas (Estai et al., 2018). It encompasses various modalities, including real-time video consultations, store-and-forward transmission of dental images, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health applications (Jampani et al., 2011). These modalities allow dental professionals to extend services beyond traditional clinic settings.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of teledentistry as many dental clinics were temporarily closed or restricted to emergency services (Ghai, 2020). During this period, teledentistry served as an alternative means of triaging patients, offering professional advice, and minimizing unnecessary physical contact. Despite its benefits, the successful implementation of teledentistry largely depends on the knowledge, attitudes, and readiness of dental professionals to adopt and utilize this technology (Al-Khalifa & AlSheikh, 2020).
In developing countries, including Nigeria, teledentistry remains an emerging concept with limited implementation. Challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited training, concerns about data security, and resistance to technological change have been reported (Olatosi et al., 2021). Dental professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward teledentistry play a crucial role in determining its acceptance and integration into routine dental practice. Therefore, assessing the knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals toward teledentistry is essential for understanding current readiness and identifying gaps that may hinder its adoption.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized benefits of teledentistry in improving access to oral healthcare and enhancing professional collaboration, its adoption remains low in many healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. One of the major factors influencing the implementation of teledentistry is the level of knowledge and attitude of dental professionals toward this technology (Estai et al., 2018).
In many dental settings, there is limited awareness of teledentistry applications, and some dental professionals perceive it as complex, unreliable, or inferior to conventional face-to-face consultations (Al-Khalifa & AlSheikh, 2020). Concerns related to patient confidentiality, legal implications, diagnostic accuracy, and lack of technical skills further contribute to negative attitudes toward teledentistry (Ghai, 2020).
In Nigeria, empirical studies assessing dental professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward teledentistry are scarce. This lack of data makes it difficult for policymakers and health administrators to develop effective strategies for integrating teledentistry into dental care services. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals toward teledentistry in order to provide evidence-based insights that can inform training, policy formulation, and implementation strategies.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals toward teledentistry.
The specific objectives are to:
assess the level of knowledge of dental professionals about teledentistry;
determine the attitudes of dental professionals toward the use of teledentistry;
identify perceived benefits of teledentistry among dental professionals;
examine perceived barriers to the adoption of teledentistry;
determine factors influencing dental professionals’ willingness to use teledentistry in practice.
1.4 Research Questions
The study seeks to answer the following research questions:
What is the level of knowledge of dental professionals about teledentistry?
What attitudes do dental professionals have toward teledentistry?
What are the perceived benefits of teledentistry among dental professionals?
What are the perceived barriers to the adoption of teledentistry?
What factors influence dental professionals’ willingness to adopt teledentistry?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following null hypothesis will be tested at a 0.05 level of significance:
H₀: There is no significant relationship between dental professionals’ knowledge of teledentistry and their attitudes toward its adoption.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will be beneficial to several stakeholders. Dental professionals will gain increased awareness of teledentistry and its potential role in improving dental service delivery. Health policymakers and administrators may use the findings to design targeted training programs and policies aimed at promoting the adoption of teledentistry.
Dental training institutions may incorporate teledentistry into their curricula to prepare future professionals for technology-driven practice. Researchers will also find the study useful as a reference for future studies on digital health and teledentistry.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on assessing the knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals toward teledentistry. It includes dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, and dental technologists. The study does not assess patients’ perceptions or the clinical effectiveness of teledentistry.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Teledentistry: The use of telecommunication technologies to provide dental care, consultation, education, and diagnosis remotely.
Dental Professionals: Trained personnel involved in the provision of oral healthcare services, including dentists and allied dental staff.
Knowledge: Awareness and understanding of teledentistry concepts, tools, and applications.
Attitude: Dental professionals’ feelings, beliefs, and perceptions toward the use of teledentistry.
ICT: Information and Communication Technology used to facilitate digital healthcare delivery.
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