309 - Comparing Three Image Sets for Pediatric Caries Diagnosis Using Teledentistry

Abstract:

Purpose:

Asynchronous teledentistry is increasingly used to improve access to dental care; however, there remains a lack of existing best practices and recommendations regarding the number of images required for the clinical diagnosis of dental caries. This study evaluated intra-provider and inter-provider agreement in caries diagnosis using asynchronous teledentistry and provider confidence when evaluating the same clinical case with a different set number of dental images.




Methods:

This observational study surveyed a convenient sample of 30 licensed general dentists practicing in the United States. Subjects completed three online surveys over a one-month period using a secure web-based platform. The surveys presented the same clinical case and radiographs; but differed in the number of clinical photographs provided. Participants independently assessed the presence and severity of caries and self-rated their diagnostic confidence. Demographic data, clinical experience, and attitudes toward teledentistry were also collected. Inter-provider agreement was assessed and compared between the three surveys




Results:

A significantly higher percentage of teeth were diagnosed with dental caries in the 5 image set (63.2%) compared to the 23 image set (36.8%) (p=0.014). No significant differences in diagnostic confidence were found when comparing across the 5-image, 15-image, and 23-image conditions.




Conclusions:

This study provides insight into how the number of clinical photographs influences diagnostic agreement and confidence in asynchronous teledentistry and may inform evidence-based recommendations for image acquisition in remote caries assessment.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: