Smartphone oral self-photography in teledentistry: Recommendations for the patient

Abstract

In the current context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the deployment of telemedicine has accelerated considerably. Like telemedicine, teledentistry involves the use of telecommunication technologies to provide medical information and services. Teledentistry can contribute to remote assessment (teletriage) and continuity of care (telemonitoring). This evaluation at a distance can be done by sending photos taken by the patient with a smartphone. Providing patients with a simple and reproducible protocol and explaining how to take a photo is important for sufficient image quality. The aim of this technical note is to help clinicians advise their patients on how to take photographs of their oral cavity simply and with sufficient quality to be reproducible.

Diagnostic and surgical innovations in otolaryngology for adult and paediatric patients during the COVID-19 era

“…However, to avoid difficulties in evaluation and diagnostic errors, digital photo shooting must follow strict rules, i.e: the patient needs to position himself in front of the mirror with optimal room lighting and setting flash to forced mode; 16:9 image ratio and highest resolution; horizontal format to cut all unnecessary facial features (nose, eyes, forehead, etc. ); use of the back camera without digital zoom and audible indicator when shooting 36 .…”

Letter to the editor in response to the “Smartphone oral self-photography in teledentistry: Recommendations for the patient”

“…This remote assessment can be done by sending photos taken by the patient with a smartphone, who must be trained to take quality photos. 1 In the response to the article titled "Smartphone oral selfphotography in teledentistry: Recommendations for the patient" published in your esteemed journal, which is a well thought of and written paper, I would like to raise few points regarding this study. 1 The improvement of service to the population with areas lacking dentists is through the development of teledentistry.…”

“…1 In the response to the article titled "Smartphone oral selfphotography in teledentistry: Recommendations for the patient" published in your esteemed journal, which is a well thought of and written paper, I would like to raise few points regarding this study. 1 The improvement of service to the population with areas lacking dentists is through the development of teledentistry. There are already cameras that acquire images, which can be sent to specialists who will diagnose and monitor these patients remotely.…”

“…This remote assessment can be done by sending photos taken by the patient with a smartphone, who must be trained to take quality photos. 1…”

“…In the response to the article titled “Smartphone oral self-photography in teledentistry: Recommendations for the patient” published in your esteemed journal, which is a well thought of and written paper, I would like to raise few points regarding this study. 1…”