Integration of Teledentistry in Remote African Communities: Feasibility, Acceptance, and Clinical Outcomes of Virtual Dental Consultations

Abstract

The integration of teledentistry in remote African communities represents a transformative approach to addressing significant oral healthcare disparities across the continent. This research examines the feasibility, acceptance, and clinical outcomes of implementing virtual dental consultation systems in underserved African regions where traditional dental services remain largely inaccessible. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing teledentistry implementations, this study evaluates the technological infrastructure requirements, socio-cultural acceptance factors, and clinical efficacy of remote dental consultations. The findings reveal that despite substantial infrastructural challenges, teledentistry demonstrates considerable potential for improving oral health outcomes in remote African settings. The research identifies critical success factors including community health worker integration, mobile technology adaptation, and culturally sensitive service delivery models. Clinical outcome assessments indicate that teledentistry consultations achieve diagnostic accuracy rates comparable to traditional examinations for common dental conditions, while significantly reducing treatment delays and improving preventive care access. However, the study also highlights persistent barriers including inconsistent internet connectivity, limited digital literacy, and insufficient funding mechanisms that must be addressed to ensure sustainable implementation. These findings provide essential insights for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and international development organizations seeking to leverage digital health technologies for advancing oral healthcare equity in resource-limited African contexts.