Development and implementation of teledentistry to support clinical practice and structural competence among undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students

TitleDevelopment and implementation of teledentistry to support clinical practice and structural competence among undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students
Faculty/College/UnitDentistry
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2022
Project Summary

Dental care is traditionally delivered through face-to-face interactions. However, when this is not possible, such as during a pandemic, or when access to care is challenging, alternative forms of dental services need to be considered. Teledentistry is an option when in-person care is not possible and was utilized during COVID-19. However, this form of care is not widely taught in dental education. This project will address this gap by educating and training UBC undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students in providing teledentistry services to support the needs of underserved populations who find it challenging to access traditional face-to-face dental care. Students will be able to provide remote oral health services including consultations, triage, education, and screening. This education supports UBC Dentistry’s 2020-2025 strategic plan by enhancing community service-learning experiences while exposing students to the environmental, organizational, and behavioural factors affecting oral health and services in underserved communities.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2022/2023
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorLeeann Donnelly
Year 1: Funded Amount28,902
Year 1: Team Members

Leeann Donnelly, Associate Professor / Director, Community Engagement, Oral Biological and Medical Sciences (OBMS), Faculty of Dentistry
Susan Grossman, Director, Centre for Community Engaged Learning
Vanessa Johnson, PhD Graduate Student, Faculty of Dentistry
Michael Wong, MSc. / Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry
Denise Laronde, Associate Professor / Co-Director, Dental Hygiene Degree Program, OBMS, Faculty of Dentistry
Zul Kanji, Associate Professor of Teaching / Co-Director, Dental Hygiene Degree Program, OBMS, Faculty of Dentistry
Mario Brondani, Associate Professor, Oral Health Sciences (OHS) / Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Chair, Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry
Eli Whitney, Associate Professor of Teaching / Director, Doctor of Dental Medicine, OHS, Faculty of Dentistry

Year 1: TLEF ShowcaseYear 1: TLEF Showcase
Year 2: Project YearYear 2
Year 2: Funding Year2023/2024
Year 2: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 2: Principal InvestigatorLeeann Donnelly
Year 2: Funded Amount21,007
Year 2: Team Members

Leeann Donnelly, Associate Professor, OBMS, Faculty of Dentistry
Susan Grossman, Director, Centre for Community Engaged Learning
Vanessa Johnson, PhD Graduate Student, Faculty of Dentistry
Michael Wong, MSc / Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry
Denise Laronde, Associate Professor, Dental Hygiene Degree Program, OBMS, Faculty of Dentistry
Zul Kanji, Associate Professor of Teaching, Dental Hygiene Degree Program, OBMS, Faculty of Dentistry
Mario Brondani, Associate Professor, OHS / Director, Diversity Equity and Inclusion / Chair, Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry
Eli Whitney, Associate Professor of Teaching / Director, Doctor of Dental Medicine, OHS, Faculty of Dentistry