Our Summary

This study looked at how well dental departments are incorporating virtual consultations, or “teledentistry”, into their practice following Covid-19. Specifically, it examined whether patients were being given the same quality of information during these virtual visits as they would in person.

Researchers created a list of patients who should have received a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – a document with important details about their treatment – after their video consultation. They then checked the records of 100 of these consultations to see if these PILs were actually sent, and how.

They also digitalized the leaflets and set up an email system (the “mailbox”) where clinicians could send patients a link to their PIL. After implementing this, they checked the records of another 88 consultations.

They found that before the mailbox was introduced, only 16% of patients who should have received a PIL actually did. After the mailbox was introduced, this rose to 94%.

It also found that patients and staff had positive feedback about the virtual consultations and digital leaflets, although there were technical difficulties in 44% of cases.

In conclusion, the study found that patients viewed virtual consultations positively, and that the introduction of an email system for sending PILs made these consultations more efficient and cost-effective. It suggests that using such a system can help standardize the information given to patients, regardless of whether the consultation is in person or virtual.

FAQs

  1. Did the study find that the quality of information given during virtual consultations was the same as in-person visits?
  2. What improvement was seen in the distribution of Patient Information Leaflets after the introduction of the email system?
  3. Did the study report any issues or challenges with the implementation of virtual consultations and digital leaflets?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking prescribed medications, and maintaining good oral hygiene. It is also important to keep the surgical site clean and to contact your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended oral surgery include those with impacted wisdom teeth, severe tooth decay, gum disease, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, or other dental issues that cannot be addressed through routine dental procedures. Additionally, patients who require dental implants, bone grafting, or corrective jaw surgery may also be recommended for oral surgery.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after oral surgery may look like this:

Before oral surgery:

  1. Patient schedules a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon
  2. Patient meets with the dentist/surgeon in person or virtually for an initial assessment
  3. Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as x-rays or scans
  4. Treatment plan is discussed and agreed upon
  5. Patient receives a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) with details about the surgery

After oral surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the oral surgery procedure
  2. Patient receives post-operative care instructions and medication
  3. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  4. Patient follows up with the dentist/surgeon for a post-operative visit
  5. Patient may need additional appointments for follow-up care or adjustments
  6. Patient recovery and heals from the surgery

In the context of the study on teledentistry, the introduction of virtual consultations and digital PILs improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the patient information process. This indicates a potential shift towards more virtual consultations in the future, with the use of technology to streamline communication and information sharing between patients and healthcare providers.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about oral surgery include:

  • What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  • What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  • Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  • How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
  • What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  • Will I need to follow any specific dietary restrictions before or after the surgery?
  • How much pain or discomfort should I expect during the recovery process?
  • Will I need to take any medications following the surgery?
  • How long will the effects of the surgery last and will I need any follow-up appointments?
  • Can you provide me with a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the surgery and potential insurance coverage options?

Reference

Authors: Crummey A, Graham A, Besi E. Journal: BMC Oral Health. 2022 Mar 21;22(1):83. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02076-7. PMID: 35317799