optimizing patient referrals to dental consultants: implication of teledentistry in rural settings

The uneven distribution of dental practitioners (particularly consultants – in Australia commonly called specialists) in Australia creates a barrier to accessing consultant level dental care. This maldistribution often results in the isolation of general dental practitioners (GDPs) practising in rural/remote settings, and the consequent lack of easy access to a second expert opinion from dental consultants. It then becomes challenging for GDP’s to weigh up cases that need consultant advice. This, at times, can contribute to under-referral or unselective referral of patients that require consultant advice, furthering the burdens on rural residents through additional travel and increased waiting times.