The digital transformation of oral health care - Teledentistry and electronic commerce

Background. Health care is being changed dramatically by the marriage of co mputers and telecommunications. Implications for hospitals and physicians a lready have received extensive media attention, but comparatively little ha s been said about the impact of information technology on dentistry, This a rticle illustrates how the digital transformation will likely affect dentis ts and their patients. Conclusions. Based on recent experiences of hospitals and medical practices , dentists can expect to encounter revolutionary changes as a result of the digital transformation. The Internet, the World Wide Web and other develop ments of the information revolution will redefine patient care, referral re lationships, practice management, quality, professional organizations and c ompetition. Practice Implications. To respond proactively to the digital transformation of oral health care, dentists must become familiar with its technologies a nd concepts; They must learn what new information technology can do far the m and their patients and then develop creative applications that promote th e profession and their approaches to care.