Parents’ Awareness and Attitudes Toward Teledentistry: A Preliminary Study

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Cömert H., Çege E. E.

4th International Congress of Multidisciplinary Medical and Health Sciences Studies, Ankara, Türkiye, 7 - 08 Haziran 2026, ss.19, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.19
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract

Teledentistry is increasingly used to support oral health care beyond traditional clinical settings. This

preliminary cross-sectional study evaluated parents’ awareness, experience, and attitudes toward

teledentistry regarding their children’s oral health. The first 80 parents who completed an online

questionnaire were included after approval by the Karabük University Non-Interventional Clinical

Research Ethics Committee (No: 2025/2513). Sociodemographic data were collected, and a 13-item, 5-

point Likert scale assessed perceived benefits, barriers, and concerns. Of the participants, 77.5% were

female, and the mean age was 37.3 ± 6.2 years. Only 16.3% had heard of teledentistry, while 10.0%

had used such a service for their child. Despite low awareness, 20.0% reported contacting a dentist by

sending a photograph, suggesting that some parents already use teledentistry-like communication

without knowing the term. The highest mean score was for the need for face-to-face examination in

clinically important cases (mean = 4.41/5.00), followed by teledentistry as a useful alternative in

emergencies or when face-to-face examination is not possible (mean = 4.31), and its potential to save

time and reduce costs (mean = 4.21). The main concern was misdiagnosis risk (mean = 3.69), while

confidence in data security was moderate to positive (mean = 3.59), and technological barriers were

limited (mean = 2.13). Overall, despite limited prior awareness and experience, parents showed

generally positive attitudes, and some were already using similar communication methods without

knowing the term. Addressing concerns about diagnostic reliability and data security may improve

acceptance. Teledentistry appears best positioned as a supportive tool for triage and follow-up rather

than a substitute for in-person dental care.

Keywords: Teledentistry; Pediatric