With COVID-19 continuing to affect our daily lives, your dental cleaning might not have been something that has crossed your mind recently. Making sure you take care of your mouth during COVID-19 is important, but what if you can’t wait to see a dentist? Maybe you’ve already been without dental care for a while, have a toothache, or just don’t want to miss your regularly scheduled exam. Well, there is an option that allows you to get the dental care you need without breaking quarantine – teledentistry.

What Is Teledentistry?

Teledentistry is a way to conveniently and safely consult with a dentist via video chat on your phone or computer. It allows for you to talk with your dentist, get examined and even receive a diagnosis and treatment. Teledentistry treatment can include creating a treatment plan, recommending and monitoring home care, and prescribing medicine if needed. This makes it a great way to get your regular dental exams, diagnose any symptoms you may have, and get palliative care.

Teledentistry and COVID-19

Teledentistry has been around for a while, but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought teledentistry and other telehealth services to the forefront. With dental offices shutting down for non-essential services, most cleanings and routine exams have been rescheduled or transitioned to teledentistry. Insurance companies are offering more coverage for teledentistry services, and more dentists are adopting it as a way to care for their patients during this time. It is also one of the easiest ways to consult with a dentist if you are having surprise symptoms during quarantine, such as a toothache or unexpected swelling.

Teledentistry Post-Quarantine

Teledentistry has been a great way for people to get dental care during COVID-19, but it will likely continue to be a major player in dental care after the pandemic. The CARES Act allotted additional funding to telehealth services, not just for COVID-19 but beyond it! The demand for teledentistry during this crisis has increased and more people have realized it is a service that works for them. Insurance companies have noticed that too, with most committing to continue covering teledentistry moving forward after COVID-19.

Teledentistry looks like it is here to stay, as it’s a great option for convenient care in the comfort of your home, whether you are quarantined or just want to avoid the waiting room. So, don’t be afraid to schedule a teledentistry appointment with a dentist near you and try it out! And if you’re looking for a dental plan that covers teledentistry, click below to talk with a Solstice team member – we will make sure you get what you need!