As dentists adapt to social distancing and enhanced safety measures, they may now use teledentistry to examine and counsel patients. The American Dental Association Health Policy Institute indicated that more than 25% of dentists are using some form of virtual, limited evaluation of patients in a COVID-19 economic tracking poll.

With a videoconferencing software, a computer and imaging tools, the dentist can diagnose conditions and determine patient needs for in-home care or office visits.

How does a teledentistry visit work? Let’s take a look at how your dentist conducts a session, and what you’ll need to do to communicate your concerns and receive proper care.

During the call, your dentist will analyze your oral health, diagnose conditions and evaluate your care plan.

Dr. Erinne Kennedy, who practices clinical dentistry in Quincy, Mass., adapts her methods for the interactive exam. She advises the patient to use a dental mirror, a small compact or makeup mirror or a shiny butter knife for reflection as the dentist checks the back teeth (molars) in your mouth and the back sides of your teeth. The dentist can guide you as you position the reflection tool.

You can use a metal or plastic spoon to retract areas of the mouth for your dentist during the exam. For bite testing, a wooden chopstick or the blunt end of a wooden shish kebab skewer will work. For cold testing, you can freeze wet cotton swabs or you can freeze small wet napkins and use small tweezers to apply them to the tooth.