Role of Teledentistry During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Systematic Review

In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced the global spread of a new viral disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was first reported in China in December 2019. COVID-19 is caused by a virus and that is primarily transmitted by direct or indirect personal contact through airborne respiratory droplets from an infected person. It is also transmitted by oral fluids. Dentists work closely with their patients and their oral environment, and therefore, are at high risk of infection. The infection can spread through aerosol generated from the rotary instruments used in the dental office. After the pandemic declaration, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that dental practices postpone elective dental procedures and provide emergency care only. Because of the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, the ADA advised offices to remain closed and access to dental care was substantially decreased. Teledentistry is one of the options given in the guidelines. Teledentistry is a subunit of telehealth. Teledentistry can be used for education, consultation, and triage. Teledentistry can be beneficial to older and vulnerable populations. This rapid systematic review analyzes the role of teledentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it benefitted public health