Reliability of intra-oral camera using teledentistry in screening of oral diseases – Pilot study

OBJECTIVE: Reliability of intra-oral camera using teledentistry in screening of oral diseases. METHODOLOGY: A trained and calibrated examiner used intra-oral camera to capture videos of oral cavity along with clinical examination to evaluate caries, plaque, calculus, tooth wear and fluorosis, stains in children. RESULTS: The mean DT and DMFT were significantly higher with use of intra-oral camera than with clinical examination (p = 0.001 and 0.001) respectively. A positive strong significant correlation was seen between intra-oral camera and clinical examination with respect to DT, MT, FT and DMFT (r = 0.721, p < 0.001; r = 0.908, p < 0.001; r = 0.869, p < 0.001; r = 0.876, p < 0.001) respectively. Reliability of intra-oral camera when compared with clinical examination varied from substantial to almost perfect agreement various oral conditions. Disclosed immature plaque was not clear while mature plaque was clearly demonstrated. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS: Intra-oral camera was shown to be a reliable tool to identify common oral diseases. Further studies involving applications like sealant retention, pre-malignant lesions, recurrent apthae, gingival recession and dental malocclusion and effectiveness in regular screening are needed.