What is Teledentistry?

Simply put, teledentistry refers to remote, virtual dental care. These virtual appointments became increasingly common during 2020 when people still needed access to dental care, but were unable to go into the office. 

The word “teledentistry” may conjure images of taking a quick video call from your orthodontist in your pajamas, but the reality is more than just simple video consultations. Comprehensive virtual care plans are becoming increasingly common as orthodontists leverage digital platforms to remotely monitor oral health, provide dental care, and manage treatment. 

Staying informed about emerging trends can give you first access to affordable and convenient dental solutions. Instead of facing time and travel constraints associated with in-person visits, you can make appointments from home and receive the same quality dental care as you would in the office.

6 Trends Shaping the Future of Teledentistry

Get ready for your future dental experience to be more accessible and personalized than ever before. These trends are rewriting the rules of dentistry by revolutionizing how orthodontists perform diagnostics and how patients access care. 

1. AI-Powered Diagnostics and Monitoring

AI-powered diagnostic tools can now accurately analyze dental images, identifying cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues in their earliest stages.

This technology learns from massive databases of dental health information, allowing it to spot patterns and predict potential problems before they become serious issues. AI’s usefulness also extends to your personalized care: Analyzing your oral health records helps support more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.

2. Remote Patient Monitoring and Virtual Care

Smart devices have opened up a world of real-time oral health tracking possibilities. Smartphone apps and patient portals can help your dentist remotely track your treatment plan, monitor existing conditions, and provide oral health guidance.

Virtual consultations and follow-ups are becoming particularly valuable in underserved areas with limited access to dental specialists. Patients can receive expert guidance without needing to travel long distances or take time away from their daily lives.

3. Integration with Broader Telehealth Ecosystems

Your oral health is affected by way more than just how often you brush your teeth. Your overall well-being, including heart health, sleep quality, and vitamin intake, can all impact your teeth. 

Soon, your dentist will be able to access necessary records to examine your oral health holistically. As teledentistry becomes a vital aspect of the telehealth ecosystem, patients will benefit from coordinated care that addresses their health as a complete system.   

4. Automation and Virtual Assistants

AI assistants are becoming frontline dental practice support. They automate tasks so that you can receive online support at any hour of the day. 

AI currently handles these tasks for some teledentistry practices:

• Scheduling appointments – Managing calendars and accounts for patient preferences automatically

• Sending treatment reminders – Sending personalized messages about suggested care and follow-up appointments

• Answering questions – Offering immediate responses to common concerns

5. Growth and Market Expansion

Teledentistry may have started as an emergency solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s since become the preferred choice for millions who discovered a preference for virtual dentistry over in-office visits. As a result, the teledentistry industry is seeing explosive growth. Current projections show the market reaching a 4.80 billion dollar valuation by 2030.

This growth means more investment in better technology, lower consumer costs, and broader access to specialized care. 

6. Education and Collaboration in Teledentistry 

Virtual and augmented reality tools allow students and practicing dentists to experience complex procedures and rare cases in an immersive, risk-free environment. These tools still require some development before they can replace in-person simulation. However, in the near future, dentists may experience individualized learning and preclinical training virtually. This technology will likely accelerate learning and improve clinical skills across the profession.

Digitization also increases collaboration between dentists and specialists, enabling real-time consultations and shared decision-making that could lead to better patient outcomes in a shorter time span. 

The Impact on Consumers 

These trends deliver tangible teledentistry benefits that will forever change how we think about and experience dental care. 

Improved access to care means you can get professional guidance regardless of where you live or how busy your schedule is. Reducing overhead costs and eliminating travel expenses also creates cost-effective, high-quality treatment options.

Instead of receiving dental care on someone else’s schedule, teledentistry can allow you to manage your oral health proactively, with professional help available whenever you need it. 

SmileSet’s Vision for Accessible Care

SmileSet is at the forefront of the future of dentistry, making professional-quality orthodontics accessible from the comfort of your own home. Our at-home teeth aligners, clear retainers, and night guards provide convenient and professionally guided dental solutions. With our SmileMaker app, you can even scan your teeth with your smartphone to get expert care from wherever you are. 

With us, getting started on your smile goals is simple. Your SmileSet journey begins with an at-home impression kit delivered straight to your door. Once your impression is made, you receive a treatment plan monitored by a licensed orthodontist who will guide your progress remotely. This approach combines the accessibility that teledentistry promises with the clinical expertise required to help you achieve your dream smile. 

If you’re ready to learn more about SmileSet’s aligner, night guard, and retainer benefits, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists to start your personalized care plan today. 

Sources: 

Diagnostics (Basel). Using AI in Optimizing Oral and Dental Diagnoses—A Narrative Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11674583/ 

Grand View Research. Teledentistry Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Software & Services, Hardware), By Delivery Mode (Cloud-based, Web-based), By Application, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/teledentistry-market-report 

Journal of Medical Internet Research. The Current Situation and Future Prospects of Simulators in Dental Education. https://www.jmir.org/2021/4/e23635