The Enhancers and Barriers of Implementing a Teledentistry Program in a Long-term Care Facility: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: Teledentistry is an emerging care delivery model that has the potential to increase access to dental care to residents of long-term care facilities. This study was to evaluate the enhancers and barriers of implementing teledentistry in a long-term care (LTC) facility by collecting qualitative data from oral health providers, administrators, and residents.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at a Walker Methodist long-term care facility in Edina, MN via guided interviews based on Leveque’s Theoretical Framework. There was a total of ten participants in the study: three residents and/or their responsible parties, and five providers and two administrators involved with the implementation of teledentistry services at the long-term care facility. Results: Thematic analysis of providers’, administrators’ and residents’ structured interviews revealed seven main themes: internal support and staff education, communication, information technology (IT) support, reliable funding, resident understanding, feasibility, and cost. Conclusion: Enhancers to teledentistry implementation were reliable financial capital and a skilled team of providers willing to work with this population. Barriers revealed were lack of support from organization administration and support staff, poor internal communication, disconnect with the onsite dental clinic and adequate IT support.