Knowledge, Awareness And Attitude Of Professional Students About Telenedentistry At The Faculty Of Dentistry, University Of North Sumatra

by ADMIN 138 views

Introduction

The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized the way healthcare services are delivered, and dentistry is no exception. Telenedentistry, the use of information and communication technology for dental and oral health services, offers innovative solutions in reaching people in need. This technology allows for early diagnosis, effective communication between health workers, and easier access to care, especially for residents in remote areas. The Faculty of Dentistry, University of North Sumatra (USU), has invested in research to investigate the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of professional students related to Telenedentistry.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional approach with a descriptive survey, involving 210 respondents of professional students. Data was collected through a questionnaire specifically designed to measure students' understanding of Telenedentistry. The questionnaire aimed to assess students' knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards Telenedentistry, including its benefits, limitations, and potential applications.

Results

The results of this study show a high level of knowledge among professional students about Telenedentistry. 97.6% of respondents understand Telenedentistry as a practice that utilizes technology such as computers, internet telecommunications, and smart phones to diagnose and provide care suggestions without having to present patients in the clinic. This indicates that students have a good understanding of the concept and potential applications of Telenedentistry.

In addition to knowledge, awareness about the benefits of Telenedentistry is also high, with 99.0% of respondents realizing that Telenedentistry can provide a diagnosis and advice of dental care to patients in rural and urban areas. This suggests that students understand the potential of Telenedentistry in overcoming the gap in access to dental and oral health services in various regions.

A positive attitude towards Telenedentistry was also observed, with 100% of respondents agreeing that all dental and dental students must have awareness about Telenedentistry. This shows that prospective dentists in USU feel it is essential to understand and master Telenedentistry as an integral part of the practice of modern dentistry.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that professional students of the USU Faculty of Dentistry have a positive understanding, awareness, and attitude towards Telenedentistry. This is a positive signal for the development of Telenedentistry in Indonesia. With a strong understanding, prospective dentists are ready to adopt and develop this technology, so that they can provide dental and oral health services that are more effective and efficient for the future people.

The findings of this study also have implications for education and training programs in dentistry. There needs to be an increase in education about Telenedentistry at the USU Dentistry Faculty, not only through courses, but also through seminars, workshops, and practical training programs. This will enable students to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills necessary to implement Telenedentistry in their future practice.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations are made:

  1. Increase education about Telenedentistry: There needs to be an increase in education about Telenedentistry at the USU Dentistry Faculty, not only through courses, but also through seminars, workshops, and practical training programs.
  2. Encourage the development of teleadentistry infrastructure: It is essential to encourage the development of teleadentistry infrastructure in Indonesia, including adequate internet access, telemedicine devices, and integrated information systems.
  3. Clear regulations and ethical standards: Clear regulations and ethical standards are needed for Telenedentistry in Indonesia, to ensure the safety and quality of services provided.

Conclusion

With the support of all parties, Telenedentistry can be an innovative solution in increasing access and quality of dental and oral health services in Indonesia. The new generation of dentists who have an understanding and enthusiasm for Teledentistry will be the key in realizing the dream.

Introduction

Telenedentistry, the use of information and communication technology for dental and oral health services, has gained significant attention in recent years. As the field continues to evolve, it's essential to address common questions and concerns about Telenedentistry. In this article, we'll provide answers to frequently asked questions about Telenedentistry, its benefits, and its potential applications.

Q1: What is Telenedentistry?

A1: Telenedentistry is the use of information and communication technology for dental and oral health services. It involves the use of digital tools, such as computers, internet telecommunications, and smart phones, to diagnose and provide care suggestions without having to present patients in the clinic.

Q2: What are the benefits of Telenedentistry?

A2: The benefits of Telenedentistry include:

  • Increased access to care: Telenedentistry allows patients to access dental and oral health services remotely, especially in areas where access to care is limited.
  • Improved communication: Telenedentistry enables effective communication between health workers and patients, reducing the risk of miscommunication and improving patient outcomes.
  • Early diagnosis: Telenedentistry enables early diagnosis and treatment of dental and oral health issues, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
  • Cost-effective: Telenedentistry can be a cost-effective way to provide dental and oral health services, reducing the need for in-person visits and associated costs.

Q3: What are the limitations of Telenedentistry?

A3: The limitations of Telenedentistry include:

  • Technical issues: Technical issues, such as internet connectivity problems, can hinder the effectiveness of Telenedentistry.
  • Limited diagnostic capabilities: Telenedentistry may not be able to provide the same level of diagnostic capabilities as in-person visits.
  • Patient engagement: Patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans may be lower with Telenedentistry compared to in-person visits.

Q4: How can Telenedentistry be implemented in dental practices?

A4: Telenedentistry can be implemented in dental practices through the following steps:

  1. Invest in digital tools: Invest in digital tools, such as computers, internet telecommunications, and smart phones, to enable Telenedentistry.
  2. Develop a telehealth platform: Develop a telehealth platform to facilitate communication between health workers and patients.
  3. Train staff: Train staff on the use of digital tools and the implementation of Telenedentistry.
  4. Develop a treatment plan: Develop a treatment plan that takes into account the patient's needs and the limitations of Telenedentistry.

Q5: What are the regulatory requirements for Telenedentistry?

A5: The regulatory requirements for Telenedentistry vary by country and region. However, some common requirements include:

  • Licensure: Health workers must be licensed to practice in their respective jurisdictions.
  • Malpractice insurance: Health workers must have malpractice insurance to cover potential liabilities.
  • HIPAA compliance: Health workers must comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient confidentiality.

Conclusion

Telenedentistry has the potential to revolutionize the way dental and oral health services are delivered. By understanding the benefits and limitations of Telenedentistry, dental practices can implement this technology effectively and provide high-quality care to patients.