Fernández C E, Maturana C A, Coloma S I, Carrasco-Labra A, Giacaman R A. Teledentistry and mHealth for Promotion and Prevention of Oral Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Dent Res 2021; DOI: 10.1177/00220345211003828. Online ahead of print.

Teledentistry is a promising clinical tool for preventing and promoting oral health.

This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of teledentistry-based strategies, reported in randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials, with a focus on oral health prevention and promotion-related outcomes in patients of all ages. Out of 898 potentially eligible references, 43 were selected for full-text screening, of which 19 studies proved eligible. Virtual interventions were mostly asynchronous via apps (n = 9), text messages (n = 9), or computer-aided learning (n = 1). The use of teledentistry as compared with conventional strategies may result in a large reduction in the plaque index and will likely result in a large reduction in the gingival index and in the incidence of white spot lesions, with an increased effect over time. Teledentistry, particularly mHealth (messages and apps), is a promising clinical tool for preventing and promoting oral health, especially under the accelerated virtualisation of dentistry. The authors suggest future studies including a broader spectrum of the population to better inform policy and implementation.