State and prospects for the use of information and telecommunication technologies in dentistry DOI: 10.29188/2542-2413-2021-7-1-39-48

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Introduction. Telestomatology is a clinical sub-discipline that studies the remote prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the teeth, oral cavity and maxillofacial region through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). It is part of the general telemedicine, but it has certain specifics related to the features of oral diseases, their diagnosis, transmitted medical information, and the tasks of teleconsultations.

Materials and methods. A search was conducted for scientific publications in library systems in 2001-2020. A total of 54 articles (19 Russian and 35 foreign) were found, of which 44 of the most relevant ones were included in the review.

Results and discussion. According to the analysis of scientific archive, you can highlight several areas of ICT application in dentistry: – communicating «doctor – doctor» – for diagnosis, selection of the optimal method of treatment; – in the format of «patient – doctor» for preventive, diagnostic, organizational issues, remote monitoring. Examples of telestomatology projects implemented in Russia, the USA, and European countries are considered. The article provides information on modern technological solutions, primarily in the field of visualization, computer analysis, and 3D printing. The main advantage of telestomatology in the "doctor – doctor" segment is to increase the availability of dental care, including specialized, including high-tech, care. It is most in demand in the most difficult patients.

Conclusions. The «patient-doctor» segment allows to solve a wide range of tasks – from agreeing on the need for face-to-face appointments to conducting preventive and training activities, correcting previously prescribed treatment, which reduces the number of face-to-face visits. It is especially important in the context of a pandemic.