Abstract & Overview
Caroline Dunham McLeod: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Applications of Teledentistry Among Dental and Dental Hygiene Students (Under the Direction of Jane Weintraub) This study’s purpose was to identify and compare the self-reported knowledge and attitudes of teledentistry (TD) among dental (DDS) and dental hygiene (DH) students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Adams School of Dentistry, before and after an educational intervention. A faculty TD presentation was followed by small group discussions and a large group debriefing session. Optional pre- and post- digital surveys were conducted. Survey participants included 30 DH and 14 DDS students. A significant increase in knowledge of TD (p <0.01) and favorable attitudes of DHs’ role in TD (P=0.04) were found. Simulations, integration into community rotations, and didactic courses were identified as ways to incorporate TD into curriculum. The educational session resulted in significant increase in knowledge and demonstrated positive attitudes toward the adoption of TD into curriculum. A major barrier to its adoption is the restricted scope of practice of DHs in North Carolina.