Teledentist and Remote Monitoring

Abstract

Teledentistry, also called teledentist or teledentistry, is a modality of telehealth applied to dentistry that uses information and communication technologies to offer services remotely. Among its applications are virtual consultations, evaluation of patient-sent images, educational guidance, and monitoring of treatments outside the face-to-face environment. Remote monitoring directly integrates the practice of teledentistry. In this strategy, the patient records information, such as photographs or videos of the oral cavity, and sends it to the professional for analysis of the treatment's evolution. Among the main benefits of teledentistry and remote monitoring are expanded access to care, reduced unnecessary travel, greater patient convenience, and optimized professional schedules. The model also favors the inclusion of populations living in remote areas or with difficulty accessing specialized services. Despite the advances, there are important challenges for the full implementation of this practice. Among them are technological limitations, such as unstable internet access or unfamiliarity with digital devices, as well as regulatory barriers and concerns about the privacy and security of patient information. In the Brazilian context, guidelines and management