Humanisation and health needs in children: present or future?

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ABSTRACT

Aim

For a few years, teledentistry has been an emerging innovative strategy with potential in the field of paediatric dentistry. There are still few studies in this regard, so further research is needed to verify and ensure that teledentistry is not only an accessible mode of communication, but above all effective and evidence-based. This study aimed to use a preliminary telematic approach to promote the compliance of patients in the developmental age during the first dental visit.

Material and methods

Two hundred patients were selected according to the eligibility criteria, and distributed in two groups: a study group with the preliminary telematic approach (ATP) before the first visit and a control group with traditional first visit without ATP. Through an ordinal semi-proportional regression model, the degrees of collaboration between the study and control groups were compared, correcting the estimate for age groups, the presence of systemic pathologies, disorders of cognition, attention and learning, degree of anxiety and previous medical-dental experiences.

Results

A preliminary telematic approach (teledentistry) was significantly associated with a higher level of collaboration on the first visit than in the control group (OR: 7.88; 95% CI: 3.82-16.26).

Conclusion

The preliminary telematic approach could be useful as a support to the traditional paediatric dental visit, to promote better management and fidelity of the patient, reducing anxiety and increasing collaboration during the first visit.

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