Integrating telemedicine into dental workflows for medically complex patients: An exploratory pilot feasibility and care coordination study - Report - MDSpire
Clinical Report: Incorporating Telehealth into Dental Practices for Patients with Complex Medical Conditions
Overview
This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of integrating telehealth into dental practices for patients with complex medical conditions, specifically focusing on care coordination and operational workflows.
Background
Patients with complex medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, often require careful coordination between dental and medical professionals to manage their oral health effectively. Traditional referral processes can lead to delays in dental care, which may negatively impact patient outcomes.
Data Highlights
No numerical data was provided in the source material.
Key Findings
The study enrolled 20 participants, with 11 choosing telemedicine and 9 opting for conventional referrals.
Telemedicine consultations were conducted on-site at the dental school using a digital health platform.
Participants with complex medical conditions faced challenges in accessing timely dental care through traditional referral pathways.
The pilot program aimed to assess operational feasibility and workflow integration of telehealth in dental settings.
Clinical Implications
Dental professionals should consider telemedicine as an option for facilitating medical assessments prior to dental procedures.
Conclusion
This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating telehealth into dental care for patients with complex medical conditions.
by Shawn Adibi, Mahshid Mohajeri, Julian Nathaniel Holland, Elizabeth Scott Hamilton, Lorena Millan, Bonita A. Wynkoop, Chelsea J. Guy-Frank, Mary C. Farach-Carson
Pregnant patients with type 1 diabetes had higher bleeding-on-probing and plaque levels than healthy controls in a small pilot study, though most other periodontal measures did not differ significantly between groups.
