The digital transformation of oral health care: Teledentistry and electronic commerce
Section snippets
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF DENTISTRY
Although dental science and technology made remarkable advances during the 20th century, the nonclinical aspects of day-to-day practice changed relatively little in comparison. Diagnostic images were recorded and stored on film throughout the century, even though the tools of radiology and intraoral photography constantly improved. Patient records were paper documents stored on shelves or in file cabinets. Only the method of writing changed—from fountain pen to typewriter to word processor.
TELEDENTISTRY
Teledentistry will be the clinical dimension of the new doctor-patient relationship. Although the term has not yet entered our everyday vocabulary, it should quickly become a cornerstone of modern dental practice. A recent definition of telemedicine helps identify the emerging realm of teledentistry:
“Telemedicine is the combined use of telecommunications and computer technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care services by liberating caregivers from traditional
E-COMMERCE
Although dentist-patient interactions (generically called business-to-consumer, or B2C) will develop substantially during the coming years, most e-commerce in health care has been business-to-business, or B2B. Dentists already can participate in the B2B marketplace by ordering equipment, processing claims, buying supplies, registering for continuing education courses, making travel arrangements, consulting library resources, placing advertisements and participating in auctions. Many more B2B
IMPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES
The digital transformation of oral health care promises many exciting changes during the next few years. However, like any revolution, it will not be easy or painless. Initially, there will be several skeptics for every true believer. Some traditionalists will oppose teledentistry openly—refusing to believe that its initial problems can be solved. Many people and organizations will struggle to cope with learning to use a keyboard or mastering the new vocabulary of the electronic age.
CONCLUSION
Anyone who questions the likelihood of such outcomes should study existing health care Web sites (Box, “Health Care Information on the Web: Sample Sites”). He or she will see that many services commonly associated with the future are already here. The good news is that the digital transformation of oral health care is in its early stages of development, and now is not too late to join the revolution. Visionary leaders still have a chance to shape its progress from within the profession if they
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- 1
Dr. Bauer is senior vice president, Superior Consultant Company Inc., Southfield, Mich., a provider of digital business transformation services to the health care industry.
- 2
Dr. Brown is president, Brown Dental Group, P.C., Des Moines, Iowa.