A teledentistry care model for older remote populations in Chile using satellite communication technology

VICTOR JAVIER BELTRÁN VARAS^1,2*Leonardo López³Pablo Acuña-Mardones^1,4Roberto Silva⁵Claudia Acevedo¹Jaime Bustos^2,6Claudio Alarcón⁶Randal von Marttens¹Iris Lucia Espinoza⁷Rodrigo Mariño^8,9*

• ¹Clinical Investigation and Dental Innovation Center (CIDIC), Dental School and Center for Translational Medicine (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
• ²Center of Excellence in Medical Physics and Engineering (CFIS), Universidad de La Frontera,, Temuco, Chile
• ³Information and Communication Technology Institute (IIE), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
• ⁴Doctoral Program in Morphological Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
• ⁵Fuerza Aerea de Chile, Santiago, Chile
• ⁶Industrial and System Engineering Department, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
• ⁷Departament of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Facultuy of Dentisttry, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
• ⁸Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
• ⁹Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia

Objectives: The aim of this study is to provide initial evidence of the impact of teledentistry, using satellite communication technology to improve access to oral healthcare in underserved populations in rural and remote areas. Methods: A pilot model of teledentistry care for older adults, incorporating technological and clinical components with a satellite solution for areas without connectivity, was evaluated in the La AraucaníaLos Lagos Region, Chile. This was classified in terms of the sequential industrial modernization framework and technology types. Results: Thirty-one older adults participated in this evaluation, with a mean age of 66.3 years. The majority (56%) had not visited a dentist in over five years. The average DMFT index was 24.2 teeth, with almost half of the participants (45.4%) presenting unmet restorative needs, and 83.3% required prosthetic appliances. A large proportion of the sample requiring a referral for emergency treatment. Most consultations (84%) were for emergency care, predominantly due to dental pain. The strategy was classified as part of the Industry 4.0 trend of modernization, with elements of the Industry 3.0. Conclusion: This piloted model of care can enhance care access and improve health outcomes for isolated populations. This innovative model of care ensured that all participants received oral health assessments, addressing the need for the systematic identification of older adults at risk of oral health emergencies. Future directions could include the integration of contextual artificial intelligence and expansion into other underserved areas, reinforcing the role of digital ecosystems in enhancing access to care and reducing health disparities.