Ben-Omran M O, Livinski A A, Kopycka-Kedzierawski D T et al. The use of teledentistry in facilitating oral health for older adults: A scoping review. J Am Dent Assoc 2021; doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.06.005.

Is this the future for older people?

The World Health Organisation defines telehealth as 'the delivery of health care services where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals, using information and communication technologies, for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities'. Teledentistry is focused on providing oral health care services to vulnerable populations and facilitating access to specialist care.

This scoping review found the quality of studies (n = 19) to be poor and there is insufficient evidence to suggest long-term cost-effectiveness of teledentistry for older patients. However, in view of the difficulties for some older patients to access care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the possibility of using teledentistry for speciality consultations, oral health promotion, screening and referrals remains. In future, artificial intelligence tools may provide opportunities for diagnostic services and risk identification. Slow internet speed and the reliance of some older people on carers for communication and use of the technology are potential barriers.