Mobile Dentistry, Teledentistry, and Housecall Dentistry
                     Mobile Dentistry,  
Teledentistry, and  
Housecall 
Dentistry
Technology has mobilized almost all aspects of our lives  
including dentistry. With the COVID-19 pandemic, more dental 
 patients and dental practices are seeking mobile dental  
clinics, tele-dentistry, and house calls. Although doctors and  
dentists paying home visits is not entirely a new thing, most  
patients traditionally receive care at dentist offices which are 
 equipped with comfortable dental chairs, waterline, light and 
 all other big and small equipment and supplies. Thanks to  
recent advances in technology, many dental equipment can 
be  portable and can be used in a truck, trailer, and home.In 
this  article, we will explain different types of mobile 
dentistry and  how they work.
Teledentistry – Zoom With Your Dentist
Teledentistry/tele-dentistry (also known as tele-medicine/telemedicine, telehealth/tele-  
health, telehealth in dentistry) is a category of solutions that use electronic information,  
imaging, and communication technologies to service patients’ oral health at a distance.
The encounter can be synchronous or asynchronous. In a synchronous setting, the  dentist 
examines the patient in real time using a video chat. Typically, a dental hygienist  or dental 
assistant is with the patient and uses an intraoral camera so the dentist can  visually 
inspect the area of interest. In essence, it is like a Zoom meeting with your  dentist. In an 
asynchronous setting, the dentist would review radiographic images and  photos/videos 
later. Teledentistry has been used in remote areas where a dentist is not  readily 
accessible or for specialist consultations. It helps to help avoid the first trip to  assess the 
patient’s condition. In the early months of COVID-19, 71% of patients had  considered 
telemedicine while half had already gone through with a virtual appointment.  The 
telemedicine upward trend began even before the COVID pandemic and according  to 
Medical Economics, 83% of patients expect to use telemedicine even after the  pandemic 
resolves. According to the State of Reform, telehealth grew 1,393 percent  between 2014 
and 1028.
Mobile Clinic On Wheels: 
 Your Dentist In An RV
With a mobile clinic on wheels, dental  
services are provided via a specially  
equipped trailer or truck (28 to 30-foot  
truck) that can be driven to/relocated to  
different locations. Inside the mobile  
clinic, you will basically find the same  
basic equipment at a typical brick-and-  
mortar dentist office: full-functioned  
dental chairs, small and large equipment,  
sterilizing area, and office area. The  
mobile clinic oftentimes is connected to  
the Internet via Wi-FI cellular service.
Home Visit/Housecall: Your  
Dentist With A Dental Carry-
On  Bag
For patients with limited mobility, or with 
other  difficulties traveling to a dentist office, 
your  dentist can visit you at the comfort of 
your  home instead. Most dental equipment 
such as  dental engine, dental chair, light 
system,  ultrasonic, suction, and x-ray 
machine are  available in portable versions. 
Dental  Innovations of Virginia provides home 
visits  through partnerships with area 
community  home care services. It is 
incredibly special  when we are welcomed by 
our patients who  have a hard time coming 
out of their home.