The COVID-19 crisis has significantly reduced the number of oral health visits and led to dentists exploring alternative options for in-office visits. A new study by the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement found that four in 10 dental providers either currently see or soon plan to see patients through telehealth platforms to offer care.

Increased telehealth services provide options for patients at high risk for COVID-19, and would likely be well-received by patients at large. A recent survey of patients who had a telehealth encounter found that nearly 80% were satisfied with their overall teledentistry experience.

Many dental care providers view telehealth as a viable care strategy even after COVID-19 is a concern. About a third of all providers, and over half of all providers currently using telehealth services, said they would increase use of the platforms in the long run.