Evaluation of adherence to the use of teledentistry by dental surgeons in a specialty center (state of São Paulo, Brazil)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, perceived security, and interest of dentists in adopting digital tools designed for teledentistry within the Ortogeo institution. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative investigation was conducted with 205 dentists between May and December 2024. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire composed of open- and closed-ended questions. Descriptive and inferential analyses were applied to explore associations between technological adoption and variables such as prior knowledge, use of messaging applications, perceived security, and the number of advantages identified by participants. Results: The findings revealed that 64.88% of respondents were familiar with the concept of teledentistry, 72.68% used WhatsApp® as a telehealth resource, and 92.68% expressed interest in adopting a dedicated digital platform, provided it ensured regulatory compliance and data security. Statistically significant correlations were observed between interest in adopting the platform and prior knowledge, messaging app usage, perceived security, and the number of perceived benefits. Open-ended responses highlighted agility, convenience, and time savings as the main advantages, while limitations included the impossibility of clinical examination, legal uncertainties, and regulatory gaps. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that, although teledentistry is recognized as a valuable tool by most professionals, its successful implementation requires ongoing professional training, secure technological solutions, and the establishment of public policies that ensure ethical and regulated integration into clinical practice.