How Tele-Dentistry evolved in Canada

Most jurisdictions endorsed tele-dentistry for triaging dental emergencies and screening for COVID-19 symptoms, fewer than half had developed comprehensive guidelines regarding its modalities, handling of personal information, informed consent processes, or maintenance of practice standards.

Post-pandemic recovery efforts facilitated the development of comprehensive tele-dentistry guidance and specific utilization codes across Canada. This could establish tele-dentistry as a complementary component of dental care delivery, potentially reducing disparities in oral healthcare access between rural and urban areas and enhancing overall effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-dentistry was primarily utilized in public programs rather than private care. Several strengths and weaknesses were identified in its usage. Notably, tele-dentistry addressed challenges such as the lack of nearby dental professionals and the need for patients to travel long distances for care, particularly in rural and remote regions.

It also reduced costs for both patients and providers, eliminating travel expenses and time investments for patients and optimizing time efficiency for providers. Video conferencing and educational videos were effective in promoting oral hygiene practices. Additionally, tele-dentistry facilitated collaboration among dental professionals, allowing for record sharing and specialist consultations.

From the dental care provider’s standpoint, offering in-location treatments also could bring significant benefits for them in terms of the health entrepreneurial aspects. There are many dental care providers such as dental hygienists that prefer to practice independently. Therefore they can scheduled a time with patients to offer their service in-locations that is convenient for their clients. 

That is how the oral care practices are being evolved to bring more values for both side of this equations.