Journal article
Perceptions and Experiences With a Virtual Dental Home Teledentistry Program Among Community Health Center and Long-Term Care Facility Staff: A Qualitative Study
Journal of public health dentistry, Vol.85(4), pp.361-369
Autumn 2025
DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12683
PMID: 40474849
Abstract
Objectives
Teledentistry, a branch of telehealth, broadens the reach of diagnostic and preventive dental services. The virtual dental home (VDH) addresses barriers for nursing facility residents, offering promise in overcoming challenges. This study explores the experiences and perceptions of a new VDH program among healthcare professionals and allied workers, aiming to determine its perceived value, challenges, and successes.
Methods
Structured interviews were conducted with current and former employees of a federally qualified health center and long-term care facilities (LTCF) involved in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a VDH. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify perceived common values, challenges, and successes of stakeholders involved in this project.
Results
Interviewees indicated transportation was a common barrier to LTCF residents receiving dental treatment and believed participation in the VDH helped improve access to dental care for these individuals. There was a higher than anticipated administrative burden for the community health center participants; notwithstanding, all interviewees indicated an interest in continued participation in this program.
Conclusions
As technology advances and interest in the VDH model grows, ongoing evaluation and improvement are essential. Effective care coordination and comprehensive communication strategies, including designated communication managers, can reduce administrative burdens and support comprehensive care delivery.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Perceptions and Experiences With a Virtual Dental Home Teledentistry Program Among Community Health Center and Long-Term Care Facility Staff: A Qualitative Study
- Creators
- McAllister Castelaz - Marquette UniversityTessa Heeren - University of IowaJennifer E Hartshorn - University of IowaPamela C Nwachukwu - University of IowaSteve M Levy - University of IowaJulie C Reynolds - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of public health dentistry, Vol.85(4), pp.361-369
- DOI
- 10.1111/jphd.12683
- PMID
- 40474849
- NLM abbreviation
- J Public Health Dent
- ISSN
- 1752-7325
- eISSN
- 1752-7325
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Grant note
- Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 06/06/2025
- Date published season
- Autumn 2025
- Date published
- 2025
- Academic Unit
- Preventive and Community Dentistry; Law, Health Policy and Disability Center; School of Social Work; Dental Research
- Record Identifier
- 9984827332702771
Metrics
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