Utilizing Teledentistry to Manage Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in an Outpatient Setting.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a result of the current global pandemic, the dental profession has utilized teledentistry to reduce footfall in the hospitals and clinics where possible. Pediatric dental consultants form a vital part of a multidisciplinary team and regularly monitor the dental growth and development of patients with cleft lip and palate. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the service provided by pediatric dental consultants in the South Thames Cleft Service at Evelina Children's Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual clinics. DESIGN: Data were collected retrospectively and include all cleft patients contacted via the virtual clinic during May to July 2020. Patients were prioritized by the Red, Amber, Green (RAG) scale to highlight the urgency of their next face-to-face appointment. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients were contacted during this period with a 97% response rate. Patients given a RAG score of GREEN (86%) meant no urgent requirement for a face-to-face consultation and AMBER (8%) patients required treatment that was deemed nonurgent. However, 3% of patients received a RED rating as they required urgent input. CONCLUSION: Through these virtual clinics, the pediatric team was able to reach 208 patients and provided advice and reassurance. The need for face-to-face appointment was eliminated for 11% of patients who were discharged to their local dental practitioners, thereby reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19.