Digital Dentistry on the Rise: How Teledentistry is Reshaping Oral Healthcare
Bringing the Dental Chair to the Cloud
Digital transformation has revolutionized many fields, and dentistry is no exception. From 3D printing of dental prostheses to online consultations, the digital era is reshaping how dentists diagnose, treat, and interact with their patients. A new study by Orsolya Németh and colleagues from Semmelweis University, Hungary, highlights how dentists are adapting to this change and what gaps remain in their digital readiness.
Understanding Teledentistry
Teledentistry (TD), a branch of telemedicine, refers to the use of information technology and digital tools in dental care. It includes everything from remote consultations and digital record sharing to AI-assisted diagnostics. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its use, making remote patient monitoring and e-triage systems a vital part of dental practice. Yet, as the study shows, the adoption of these tools varies widely among dental professionals.
Surveying Hungary’s Digital Dentists
The researchers conducted an online national survey among Hungarian dentists, gathering responses from 171 participants. The goal was to assess their knowledge, usage, and perception of teledentistry tools. Using a “Digital Dental Index (DDI),” the team quantified each dentist’s digital engagement based on their familiarity and use of digital tools such as 3D scanning, e-prescriptions, online consultations, and cloud systems.
Most respondents were already familiar with digital technologies like online conferences (96.5%), e-prescriptions (94.6%), and digital impressions (86%). However, awareness was low regarding more advanced applications artificial intelligence (50.5% unaware), store-forward solutions (43.5%), and real-time remote diagnostics (41.8%).
Generational Divide in Digital Readiness
The survey revealed a clear generational gap. Younger dentists (aged 30–34) scored highest on the digital dental index, while older practitioners tended to be less engaged with digital tools. Interestingly, while many were eager to adopt new technologies, nearly half (47.9%) said that their workplace infrastructure was not ready for teledentistry.
Furthermore, dentists in Budapest scored significantly higher on digital literacy compared to those working in smaller towns and villages, reflecting disparities in access to technology and training.
Barriers and Opportunities
Despite enthusiasm for digital tools, several challenges remain:
Limited infrastructure and outdated software in dental offices
Financial constraints for technology upgrades
Lack of standardized training in teledentistry across dental schools
Yet, the study also found a strong interest in learning over 70% of respondents expressed a desire to incorporate more digital tools into their practice. This suggests that with the right support and education, teledentistry could soon become an integral part of everyday dental care.
Why It Matters
Teledentistry isn’t just about technology it’s about accessibility and patient comfort. Digital tools can help reduce patient anxiety, improve preventive care, and even bring specialized dental expertise to rural communities. As the authors note, “Dental care is a manual profession, but not all treatments require face-to-face meetings.”
By integrating teledentistry into dental education and practice, the field can evolve toward more efficient, patient-centered, and technology-driven care.
Looking Ahead
The Hungarian study underscores a global truth: digital dentistry is the future, but education and infrastructure must keep pace. Integrating teledentistry training into both undergraduate and postgraduate programs could prepare the next generation of dentists for a fully digital landscape one where care is not limited by distance, and innovation continues to improve smiles around the world.
Reference:
Németh O., Uhrin E., Girasek E., Boros J., & Győrffy Z. (2023). The impact of digital healthcare and teledentistry on dentistry in the 21st century: a survey of Hungarian dentists. BMC Oral Health, 23:1025.
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03770-w