The benefits of tele-dentistry for seniors

PAID CONTENT: Home Instead Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar - 044 9385260; www.homeinstead.ie

By Jonathon Acton

It really is amazing the services that we have taken for granted to date. Covid-19 has not only reminded us of our mortality, it has certainly given me a greater respect for the freedom we once took as standard.

The freedom to go for a pint or two with friends; the freedom to enjoy a family holiday; the freedom my son had to meet his friends in crèche; the freedom to enjoy the GAA every weekend.

But last week I got a bit of a shock to realise I had broken one of my teeth – which was very painful.

My first reaction was, damn, the dentist is closed. In a panic and a lot of pain, I phoned my dentist, Anne O’Donnell at Mullingar Dental, and to my surprise Anne was there working away for emergency cases.

It was at this point I became aware of tele-dentistry.

Anne explained the best option was for me to take photos of the break and send them to her for examination. So Anne sent me a text with a very user friendly link which allowed me to upload the teeth pics for examination.

I then received a text back a few moments later inviting me to an appointment that evening and explaining the procedure that would take place.

It was the first time I had heard of tele-dentistry and I began to think how useful it could be for seniors cocooning or with limited mobility.

I arranged a follow-up call with Anne later in the week, when I could speak properly again and here are some Valuable points Anne had to contribute.

"Covid-19 has changed our lives for now and will change our future life."

Forty years ago, your typical dentist practice was a one-room surgery, at the top of a dark stairs. Your dentist was an old man in a white coat who instilled fear in all because of the pain involved in dental treatment.

Today’s dental practice is a modern, friendly place with an emphasis on prevention, good oral care and pain-free dental treatment.

This is also evolving with more community outreach, oral education and now tele-dentistry to provide care from the comfort of your own home.

Yes, everyone thinks that dentistry is a hands-on profession, but it is also a visual one, and that makes it suitable for a platform such as tele-dentistry.

The examination and review can be done by video and the use of selfie photographs and can save you a visit to your dentist.

It also means that if you do have to attend your dentist, they know exactly what you need to get done and the appointment time can be allocated correctly giving a maximum use of the time given.

For older patients who are currently worried about leaving the house because of the coronavirus, or maybe always needing to depend on transport, being able to have a dental check-up from the comfort of home is an ideal solution.

"But I am no good with technology. How will I do this?"

A family member or carer can set up the appointment for you and be present at the time with their mobile phone and the whole process is so easy.

This gives you the best of both worlds, not neglecting your oral health and not having to leave your home.

Many people who have home help will also have a valid medical card or PRSI entitlements and can avail of a home dental examination free of charge.

For more details on this please contact Mullingar Dental on 0449340370 or email at info@familydentist.ie.