Teledentistry as a Health Promotion Strategy: perspectives and challenges in dental practice
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Objective: This qualitative study explored the role of teledentistry as a strategy to promote oral health, identifying the perspectives and challenges perceived by dentists working in primary care and continuing care settings. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 professionals from the region of Maringá (PR), whose reports were analyzed with the support of NVivo software through Bardin’s thematic content analysis. Results: Four main categories emerged: (1) use of teledentistry to promote oral health; (2) access and digital inclusion in dentistry; (3) role of digital tools in communication and monitoring; and (4) impact of the pandemic on the adoption of teledentistry. These results indicate that teledentistry is recognized as an effective tool for educational and preventive actions and remote clinical follow-up. However, significant barriers related to digital literacy, technological limitations and ethical issues related to the privacy of patient data hinder its wide and continuous implementation. The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for the rapid adoption of digital practices, but it also revealed the need for public strategies that ensure the sustainability of this modality of care. Conclusion: Investments in technological infrastructure, professional training and actions aimed at digital inclusion are recommended to maximize the potential of teledentistry in promoting public health.
Institution: Centro Universitário Cesumar
Language: English
Topic: Dental Research and COVID-19
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204142244