Feasibility and Acceptability of Pediatric Teledentistry: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND

Teledentistry has supplemented current dental healthcare systems and has been proven effective in pediatric dentistry.

AIM

To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual pediatric dentistry clinic (VC).

DESIGN

This mixed methods study used an explanatory sequential design. First, a quantitative survey assessed parental satisfaction with VC. The second phase involved two parts: (1) qualitative semi-structured interviews with parents and (2) ten observations of virtual appointments were conducted to aid in findings' triangulation.

RESULTS

Forty-five VC were conducted with children and parents. Thirty-six parents (80%) were highly satisfied, while nine (20%) had low satisfaction. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven highly satisfied and seven minimally satisfied parents. Eight themes emerged: (1) VC indication; (2) VC outcome; (3) new experience; (4) improvements in the child's behavior; (5) VC limitations; (6) skepticism about delivery of care; (7) convenience and accessibility; and (8) reduction in transportation cost and time. VC observation findings were triangulated with the results from the interviews, which showed that low-satisfaction parents reported pain, facial cellulitis, and complex cases that needed immediate treatment at dental clinics.

CONCLUSION

Teledentistry is a feasible complement to the continuum of care, enabling remote triage and consultation as needed, and is highly accepted by parents.