Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5996-6355
Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Dentistry
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Bhavna Shroff
Second Advisor
Steven J Lindauer
Third Advisor
Caroline Carrico
Fourth Advisor
Parthasarathy Madurantakam
Abstract
Introduction: Teledentistry has emerged as a potential facilitator of communication, monitoring, and limited treatment within the field of orthodontic care; however, perspectives and preferences regarding its use and role in orthodontics remain unclear among orthodontists, patients, and parents. This study compared perceptions and preferences toward teledentistry among practicing orthodontists, adult orthodontic patients, and parents of pediatric orthodontic patients. Methods: Three parallel, group-specific surveys, consisting of approximately 8–10 demographic questions and 15 statement-based questions, were distributed from May to December 2025 to practicing orthodontists, adult orthodontic patients, and parents or guardians of pediatric orthodontic patients. Practicing members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) were invited to participate nationally via an email list, while patient and parent surveys were administered in-person at four orthodontic offices in Virginia. Responses were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and chi-squared tests (α=0.05). Results: A total of 351 surveys were analyzed, including responses from 89 adult patients, 151 parents or guardians of pediatric patients, and 111 orthodontists. All three groups demonstrated a strong preference for in-person orthodontic care, particularly for communication and face-to-face interaction. Orthodontists expressed 1 greater acceptance of teledentistry than patients and parents, particularly for retainer monitoring (55%) and management of orthodontic emergencies (64%), whereas patients (11% and 19%) and parents (14% and 16%) demonstrated lower acceptance. Across all groups, there was limited support for using teledentistry to replace initial consultation appointments, especially among orthodontists. Perceived quality of teledentistry differed, with orthodontists less likely to view communication and monitoring via teledentistry as comparable to in-person care. Comfort with using teledentistry for treatment monitoring was generally neutral among patients but lower among parents and orthodontists. Parents frequently demonstrated the lowest acceptance and interest in teledentistry across multiple domains. Orthodontists were more accepting of charging fees for teledentistry services, whereas privacy concerns did not differ significantly among groups. Conclusions: Although orthodontists reported greater preference for selective use of teledentistry, all groups demonstrated a strong preference for in-person orthodontic communication and care. These findings suggest that teledentistry is best utilized as a supplemental tool, with in-person evaluation remaining essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and comprehensive care.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
6-18-2026