Why is this useful for rural and remote people?

The study found that Teledentistry increases healthcare access especially for people in regional, rural and remote areas. The evidence found it was an effective screening tool for caries. This study is important for rural and remote people because it shows that Tele-dental services can be used with a high degree of confidence in diagnosing dental decay. While treatment must still be conducted personally, the use of technology removes a significant cost barrier for dentists and oral health hygienists to provide services to rural and remote people by eliminating at least one trip for diagnosis, and ensures that when dentists do travel to rural areas they know the patient load and needs, and can bring the right equipment and consumables. Teledentistry may be a valuable tool in allowing rural towns to attract more regular dental services by building local capacity for diagnosis to support offsite dentists.