Dental anxiety affects a significant portion of the American population. A staggering 75% of adults experience some level of dental fear or anxiety, with 5-10% suffering from the more severe form known as dental phobia. This anxiety often stems from triggers such as drills, needles, or the fear of judgment about their oral health status. As a result, many individuals avoid essential dental care, jeopardizing their oral and overall health.
The Rise of Virtual-First Care: A Gentle Introduction to Dental Treatment
To address this issue, Dentistry.One has pioneered a virtual-first approach to dental care, providing a gentle and gradual introduction to treatment. I had the opportunity to speak with Schelli Stedke, MDH, CHC, Patient Relations Lead at Dentistry.One, to delve deeper into this innovative solution.
"Virtual care offers individuals an opportunity to consult with a dentist anytime, from anywhere, including from the comfort and privacy of their own home," says Stedke. "This eliminates many traditional triggers of dental anxiety, such as drills, needles, or the intimidating atmosphere of a dental office."
For those hesitant to engage directly with a dentist, Dentistry.One offers the option to upload photos of specific concerns for review. "The dentist then emails an oral health report with suggested next steps, which may or may not include the need for a follow-up in-person visit," explains Stedke. Remarkably, one study reported that nearly 31% of patients did not require in-office care following their teledentistry appointment.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Dental and Medical Care
Dentistry.One goes beyond traditional dental care by integrating medical history into its comprehensive approach. "There are over 60 oral systemic health conditions that impact one’s oral health, such as diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, and pregnancy," Stedke notes. "Our dentists and Care Advisors consult with patients about their oral health concerns within the context of their overall health, offering guidance on how to achieve better overall health outcomes."
Personalized Care for Every Individual
Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate, Dentistry.One prioritizes personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances.
"Whether catering to busy parents, college students, rural residents, or those with dental anxiety, Dentistry.One offers a simple, fast, and affordable option for prioritizing oral health anytime, from anywhere," says Stedke.
Real People, Real Results
Patients across the country have experienced the benefits of Dentistry.One's virtual-first approach. From emergency care and pain management to chronic care coaching and sleep apnea screening, Dentistry.One offers a wide range of services accessible from the comfort of home. "Our consultations range from emergency care to help avoid long hours spent in emergency waiting rooms, pre-op and post-op support, non-narcotic pain management, second opinions, and so much more," Stedke shares.
Ensuring Supervised and Personalized Care
With the rise of online orthodontic solutions leading to significant dental issues due to lack of professional supervision, Dentistry.One emphasizes personalized and supervised care. "We embrace patients throughout their dental care journey, providing expert online consultation and assistance in finding a local dentist for in-person care whenever needed," assures Stedke.
Dentistry.One is changing the dental care landscape by addressing the issue of dental anxiety through its innovative virtual-first approach. By offering a gentle introduction to dental treatment, integrating dental and medical care, and providing personalized, supervised, and convenient care, Dentistry.One is paving the way for a healthier, happier, and more confident population. As Stedke aptly puts it, "Our goal is to make dental care simple, easy, and non-anxiety ridden for everyone, regardless of their location, insurance coverage, or nature of dental concern."
The future of dental care looks a bit brighter when fear and anxiety no longer stand in the way of optimal oral and overall health.