Assessing Patient Discomfort in Smartphone-Based Teledentistry From the Perspective of Dental Professionals: Qualitative Interview Study

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) represents a modality of teledentistry that has the potential to improve access to dental care. Given that patient reactions to dental procedures can influence both clinician experience and care delivery, assessing patient discomfort when smartphones are used to capture dental images for teledentistry examinations is crucial. Objective: This study aimed to explore patient discomfort from the perspective of dental professionals using smartphone-based photography in teledentistry. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through group interviews with a sample (N=10) of dental professionals, all of whom had experience capturing dental photos using smartphones equipped with an mHealth app at dental clinics and research facilities in Thailand and the United States. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, coded through consensus, and analyzed thematically. Results: The dental professionals, including dental specialists, general dentists, dental therapists, and dental students, reported minimal to no patient discomfort during smartphone-based dental photography. Key factors contributing to patient comfort during teledentistry encounters included clear communication, informed consent, and reassurances regarding privacy and data security. Conclusions: The findings suggest that providing patients with clear information and managing expectations can help reduce discomfort in teledentistry encounters. Improving communication strategies may enhance patient comfort, support the adoption of mHealth practices, and optimize interactions between patients and health care providers. Future research directions are indicated, such as directly assessing patient discomfort and identifying strategies to further minimize discomfort in teledentistry. Additionally, expanding teledentistry training in dental education and professional development will better equip dental professionals to effectively use this technology, ultimately improving accessibility and patient-centered care in dentistry.