TeleORALhealth

Though advances have been made in addressing some oral health access and education issues with school-based and school-linked programs for children, dental services rendered in medical settings, and the delivery of evidence-based preventive dental services such as sealants, there are still many Coloradans who cannot easily access oral health care due to a multitude of factors. Virtual care delivery models including teledentistry or teleORALhealth (TOH) provide opportunities for the oral health workforce to increase access to oral health care and improve health outcomes.

The National Network for Oral Health Access defines teledentistry as the delivery of dental care using telehealth information technology and methodology. TOH describes the use of teledentistry for a well-rounded approach to oral health that leverages technology to enable services in non-clinical settings, increase access to areas with limited oral health clinicians, and meet patients where they are to provide education and tailored interventions to improve their oral health status.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Oral Health Unit (CDPHE OHU) developed an on-demand training opportunity available in Colorado TRAIN (CO-TRAIN).

After completing the Colorado Teledental Roadmap training module (CO-TRAIN course identification number 1124937), participants will be able to:

• Define teleORALhealth.
• Understand different modes of TOH delivery.
• Assess program and community needs, resources, and infrastructure using a readiness assessment.
• Access several resources based on readiness assessment findings.