Teledentistry is transforming oral health education and outreach by extending learning and care beyond traditional settings. For students and educators, virtual platforms enable real-time case reviews, consultations, and exposure to diverse patient populations, enriching clinical decision-making and fostering collaboration. Integrated into curriculum, teledentistry prepares future providers for technology-driven models of care. Simultaneously, teledentistry networks reduce geographic and socioeconomic barriers, allowing faculty and students to engage in remote screenings, literacy initiatives, and community programs. Together, these advances strengthen dental training while promoting equitable, patient-centered care for underserved populations.
Learning Objectives:
Describe how teledentistry platforms and networks enhance dental education through clinical exposure, case-based learning, interprofessional collaboration, and evaluation capabilities.
Identify strategies for integrating teledentistry into dental school curriculum and community health initiatives, supporting outreach by reducing barriers to care in underserved communities.
Evaluate the potential of teledentistry to prepare future providers for patient-centered, technology-enabled models of care delivery and career pathways.
