Teledentistry Effectiveness: Perspective From Dental Practitioners and Undergraduate Dental Students From Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Oral health inequities in Pakistan remain substantial due to unequal dentist distribution, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted rural access. The COVID-19 pandemic further limited in-person dental care, intensifying interest in teledentistry as a tool to sustain service delivery and bridge accessibility gaps. While teledentistry has demonstrated promise globally, local evidence on its perceived effectiveness, satisfaction, and barriers among Pakistani dental professionals remains limited. Objective: To assess awareness, perceived effectiveness, satisfaction, and challenges related to teledentistry among dental practitioners and students in Pakistan, and to evaluate its feasibility for integration into routine clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 202 dental professionals across Pakistan using a structured, validated online questionnaire. Data on awareness, perceived effectiveness, and perceived barriers were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized distributions, while chi-square and logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between training, experience, and attitudes toward teledentistry. Ethical approval was obtained from the Pride Ethical Review Board (PRIDE/ERB/2025/026). Results: Most participants (76.7%) were familiar with teledentistry, though only 48.5% reported adequate training. A large proportion (76.2%) considered it effective for clinical care delivery and 64.4% agreed it saves patient time, yet 52% expressed concern about reduced care quality. Poor image quality (68.3%), unstable internet connectivity (61.4%), and lack of standardized training (51.5%) were the most frequently cited barriers. Logistic regression revealed that poor image quality (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.1–6.3) and lack of training (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.3) significantly predicted negative perceptions. Conclusion: Teledentistry is perceived positively by Pakistani dental professionals as a cost- and time-efficient tool to expand oral healthcare access. However, infrastructural deficiencies and inadequate training remain major obstacles. Strategic investment in digital infrastructure, formal integration into dental curricula, and national telehealth guidelines are essential for sustainable implementation.