Alquhaisan Shurooq, Alhasan Mohammad A, Albader Hessa, Alqahtani Saad, Geevarghese Amrita
Kuwait Board in Pediatric Dentistry, Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations, Sulaibikhat, Kuwait.
Kuwait Board in Pediatric Dentistry, Ministry of Health, Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations, Sulaibikhat, Kuwait.
Telemed Rep. 2025 Apr 4;6(1):99-107. doi: 10.1089/tmr.2025.0007. eCollection 2025.
Teledentistry integrates digital telecommunication technology with dentistry to enhance the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of dental care, particularly in remote areas. It improves operational efficiency and access to care, especially for pediatric dental patients.
This study aims to assess the awareness and perceptions of teledentistry among dentists managing pediatric patients in the government sector in Kuwait.
A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate awareness and perceptions across three domains: the usefulness of teledentistry for patients and dental practice, its potential to improve practice, and concerns regarding its implementation.
A total of 106 responses were received, yielding a 26.7% response rate. Approximately 48% of respondents expressed concerns regarding the reliability of teledental equipment, patient confidentiality, and obtaining informed consent, as well as the security of sending data online. Despite these concerns, 75% of respondents acknowledged the importance of teledentistry in enhancing dental practice. More than half 56% were unaware of the legal implications of teledentistry in Kuwait. Additionally, over 50% recognized the benefits of teledentistry in clinical training, cost reduction, and time-saving. Respondents also supported the integration of teledentistry into dental education and appointment scheduling.
The study found that pediatric dentists in Kuwait exhibit a high level of awareness and positive perception of teledentistry's potential to improve dental practice, despite concerns about its technological and legal implications.
远程牙科将数字通信技术与牙科相结合，以提高牙科护理的质量、可及性和成本效益，特别是在偏远地区。它提高了运营效率和获得护理的机会，尤其是对儿童牙科患者而言。
本研究旨在评估科威特政府部门中管理儿童患者的牙医对远程牙科的认知和看法。
采用自填式问卷进行描述性横断面研究，以评估在三个方面的认知和看法：远程牙科对患者和牙科实践的有用性、其改善实践的潜力以及对其实施的担忧。
共收到106份回复，回复率为26.7%。约48%的受访者对远程牙科设备的可靠性、患者保密性、获得知情同意以及在线发送数据的安全性表示担忧。尽管存在这些担忧，但75%的受访者承认远程牙科在改善牙科实践方面的重要性。超过一半（56%）的人不知道远程牙科在科威特的法律影响。此外，超过50%的人认识到远程牙科在临床培训、降低成本和节省时间方面的好处。受访者还支持将远程牙科纳入牙科教育和预约安排。
研究发现，科威特的儿童牙医对远程牙科改善牙科实践的潜力表现出高度认知和积极看法，尽管对其技术和法律影响存在担忧。
