Role of teledentistry in enabling improved oral care outcomes.

Nowadays, the link between oral health and general health is clearly understood and supported by many global bodies, including the World Health Organisation. Yet, oral diseases remain prevalent worldwide, necessitating a practical approach. This opinion paper seeks to clarify the role of teledentistry as an adjunct for improving oral health when access to oral care services is one of the major concerns.While prevention is the best option, many people lack regular oral care access, missing vital maintenance for mouth and body health. Limited evidence-based education further hinders effective oral hygiene routines. This holds true for remote/rural populations, low socioeconomic groups and individuals with physical/mental disabilities which could make visiting a dental practice more difficult.We examined recent teledentistry publications, highlighting outcomes and suggesting evidence-backed oral health guidance via tailored teledentistry models. Two virtual roundtables were conducted with a global working group experienced in teledentistry and dental access barriers. This panel was made up of representatives from the UK, Belgium, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Ghana and Tunisia.We conclude that teledentistry effectively aids dental referrals, early disease detection, treatment planning, compliance and viability, particularly in regions with limited dental access. The advantage of teledentistry lies in expanding the reach of care. Telehealth and teledentistry are value-driven, yet larger, standardised research is needed to fully harness the potential of teledentistry in bridging underserved populations with oral care experts, ultimately fostering optimal oral health. Education on the capabilities and benefits of teledentistry should become part of the curriculum of future dental professionals and broadly leveraged on continuing education platforms.

Oral health condition and treatment needs among young athletes with intellectual disabilities in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Data on the oral situation of young people with intellectual disabilities are scarce, especially data of children from a developing country. AIM: To describe and to evaluate the oral treatment needs of Special Olympics Special Smiles Athletes in Indonesia between 2004 and 2009. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study data were collected through interviews and clinical examinations using the Special Olympics Special Smiles CDC protocol. PARTICIPANTS: Indonesian Special Smiles athletes; their mean age was 13.46 years ± 2.97. RESULTS: More than 70% of athletes had visible untreated decay. Almost 30% (29.8%) of the athletes had gingival inflammation. Pain in the oral cavity was reported by 28.6%. Athletes who had untreated decay reported 6.67 times (95% CI OR; 4.00-11.14) more pain compared to those who did not have untreated decay. Athletes living in provinces on Java Island had 1.54 times (95% CI OR; 1.15-2.07) more untreated decay compared to the athletes who live in provinces in outer Java Island. 21.63% of the screened athletes were referred to the dentist for urgent treatment. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there is an elevated oral treatment need in Indonesian Special Smiles population.