The Impact of Digital Healthcare and Teledentistry on Dentistry in Uttar Pradesh: A Comprehensive Survey of Dentists

Abstract

Background: The digitalization era has transformed dentistry worldwide. Teledentistry (TD), the application of digital technologies in dental care, has gained traction, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote patient monitoring and communication
became essential. Despite its potential, awareness and integration of TD in dental practice remain limited in many regions, including Uttar Pradesh, India.
Methods: This study involved an online self-administered survey distributed to dentists in Uttar Pradesh. Invitations were sent via professional networks and associations. The survey examined familiarity with digital tools, perceived advantages and disadvantages,
infrastructural needs, and patient demand for TD services. A Digital Dental Index (DDI) was calculated to measure digital adoption. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression.
Results: A total of 190 dentists completed the survey. Familiarity with online conferences (95.8%), e-prescriptions (93.2%), and digital impressions (85.3%) was high. However, awareness was lower for artificial intelligence (48.1%), store-forward solutions (41.9%), and
real-time solutions (40.2%). The mean DDI was 15.1 (±5.3), with younger dentists scoring higher. Barriers included inadequate infrastructure (45.7%), lack of user-friendly software (67.9%), and outdated equipment (60.3%).
Conclusion: While dentists in Uttar Pradesh demonstrate interest in adopting TD, gaps in awareness and infrastructure hinder its full implementation. Enhanced training and resource allocation are essential to integrate TD into dental practice and education effectively.