Editing Tele-dentistry (section)

==Modalities of Delivery==
Teledentistry is categorized into four distinct functional modalities:

===1. Synchronous (Live Video)===
Live, two-way interaction between a person (patient, caregiver, or student) and a provider using audiovisual telecommunications technology. This is commonly used for:
* Emergency '''[[Triage]]''' to determine if an in-person visit is necessary.
* Virtual consultations for '''[[Orthodontics]]''' or '''[[Cosmetic Dentistry]]'''.

===2. Asynchronous (Store-and-Forward)===
Transmission of recorded health information (e.g., intraoral photographs, [[Digital Radiology|radiographs]], and digital impressions) through a secure communications system to a practitioner who evaluates the data at a later time. 
* This is highly effective in '''[[Dental Public Health]]''' programs where a hygienist in a school takes records for a dentist in a central office to review.

===3. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)===
Personal health and medical data collection from an individual in one location, which is transmitted to a provider in a different location for monitoring and care management.
* Examples include "Smart" toothbrushes that track brushing frequency and pressure, or remote monitoring of orthodontic aligner progress.

===4. Mobile Health (mHealth)===
Health care and public health practice and education supported by mobile communication devices such as cell phones, tablets, and PDAs.