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Teledentistry: Knowledge and Attitudes among Dentists in Udaipur, India

Ramesh Nagarajappa, Pankaj Aapaliya, Archana J Sharda, Kailash Asawa, Mridula Tak, Piyush Pujara and Nikhil Bhanushali

Background: Teledentistry is a synergistic combination of telecommunications technology; internet and dental practice which shows promising potential to be a highly effective mechanism for enhancing diagnosis and related treatment.
Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding teledentistry among dentists of Udaipur. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the total of 105 dentists in Udaipur, India. A self administered structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge (8 items) and attitude (12 items) regarding teledentistry. The response format was based on 5-point Likert scale. Analysis of variance, t-test and multiple linear regression model was utilized for statistical analysis. Level of significance was fixed at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: The mean scores for knowledge and attitudes were 25.61 ± 3.197 and 38.61 ± 4.742 respectively. Bivariate analysis revealed that work experience was significantly associated with both knowledge and attitude means scores (p ≤ 0.05). Significant predictors of knowledge scores were work experience (R=0.381, p=0.000), qualification (R=0.504, p=0.000), internet access (R=0.548, p=0.000); for attitude scores it was only internet access (R=0.261, p=0.007).
Conclusion: An unbalanced knowledge of teledentistry among current dentists has suggested the need for awareness programmes to fill the knowledge gaps and instill positive attitudes.