Tele-Dentistry: Streamlined Access and Convenience for Veterans Seeking Dental Care
Orlando VA Leads the Way with Innovative Tele-Dentistry Program for Veterans
Orlando, FL – The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is revolutionizing dental care for Veterans with a groundbreaking Tele-Dentistry program. This first-of-its-kind initiative leverages virtual technology too provide timely and convenient dental evaluations, reducing wait times and minimizing the need for in-person appointments.The program,currently focused on Veterans with oral lesions,utilizes a “store and forward” model. High-quality images of a Veteran’s oral lesion are captured at one of the Orlando VA’s remote sites and securely transmitted to dental specialists for evaluation.
“Instead of asking Veterans to make the trip to Lake Nona for every evaluation, we can assess the images remotely and determine whether an in-person appointment or further action is needed,” explains Dr. Junaid Farooqui,chief of Dental Service at the Orlando VA.
This approach mirrors a triumphant model already in use for dermatology at the Orlando VA,where skin lesions are photographed and assessed by offsite specialists. Recognizing the potential for similar benefits in oral health,particularly for Veterans in remote areas with limited access to dental services,the dental team adapted the model for Tele-Dentistry.
Dr. Teri Carper, OVAHCS chief of Connected Care, played a key role in establishing the program. ”For many Veterans, traveling to the main medical center for an initial consultation can be time-consuming,” she says. “Now, a Veteran who may have had to wait weeks for a consultation can have their condition assessed in a matter of days or even the same day, thanks to this new program.”
The process is straightforward: a trained telehealth technician captures detailed images of the patient’s lesion at a remote site, such as the Orlando VA’s outpatient clinics in Daytona, Lake Baldwin, or Viera. These images are then reviewed by a dental specialist who can quickly determine if additional treatment is necessary.
One of the first Veterans to benefit from the program expressed relief at avoiding a long journey for an initial screening. He was able to visit the Viera clinic, have an image of his lesion taken, and receive an assessment from Dr. Farooqui over the phone – all without traveling to Lake Nona.
“He was very thankful for the convenience and the peace of mind that came with getting results quickly,” noted dr. Farooqui.
The OVAHCS plans to expand Tele-Dentistry to include postoperative evaluations, further simplifying ongoing care for Veterans.
“For certain procedures, such as post-surgical checks, we often have patients come back after a week or two,” Dr. Farooqui explains. “Now, we’re exploring the possibility of evaluating their recovery remotely, which saves them a trip and frees up appointment slots for other Veterans who need in-person care.”
As the Tele-Dentistry program gains momentum, Dr. Farooqui anticipates it will significantly reduce wait times and improve overall access to dental care for Veterans. He is optimistic about its future and hopes it will become a standard part of Veteran dental services.
the success of this initiative highlights the Orlando VA’s commitment to providing the right care in the right place at the right time. By harnessing technology to streamline services, the Orlando VA continues to improve healthcare access for its Veterans, offering them not onyl timely medical attention but also the convenience they deserve.
Orlando VA Leads the Way with Innovative Tele-Dentistry Programme for Veterans
Orlando, FL – The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is revolutionizing dental care for Veterans with a groundbreaking Tele-Dentistry program. This first-of-its-kind initiative leverages virtual technology to provide timely and convenient dental evaluations, reducing wait times and minimizing the need for in-person appointments.
The program, currently focused on Veterans with oral lesions, utilizes a “store and forward” model. High-quality images of a VeteranS oral lesion are captured at one of the Orlando VA’s remote sites and securely transmitted to dental specialists for evaluation.
“instead of asking veterans to make the trip to Lake Nona for every evaluation, we can assess the images remotely and determine whether an in-person appointment or further action is needed,” explains Dr. Junaid Farooqui,chief of Dental service at the Orlando VA.
This approach mirrors a successful model already in use for dermatology at the Orlando VA, were skin lesions are photographed and assessed by offsite specialists. Recognizing the potential for similar benefits in oral health, notably for Veterans in remote areas with limited access to dental services, the dental team adapted the model for Tele-Dentistry.
Dr. Teri Carper, OVAHCS chief of Connected Care, played a key role in establishing the program. “For manny Veterans, traveling to the main medical center for an initial consultation can be time-consuming,” she says. “Now, a Veteran who may have had to wait weeks for a consultation can have their condition assessed in a matter of days or even the same day, thanks to this new program.”
The process is straightforward: a trained telehealth technician captures detailed images of the patient’s lesion at a remote site, such as the Orlando VA’s outpatient clinics in Daytona, Lake Baldwin, or viera. These images are then reviewed by a dental specialist who can quickly determine if additional treatment is necessary.
One of the first Veterans to benefit from the program expressed relief at avoiding a long journey for an initial screening. He was able to visit the Viera clinic, have an image of his lesion taken, and receive an assessment from Dr. Farooqui over the phone – all without traveling to Lake Nona.
“He was very thankful for the convenience and the peace of mind that came with getting results quickly,” noted Dr. farooqui.
The OVAHCS plans to expand Tele-Dentistry to include postoperative evaluations, further simplifying ongoing care for Veterans.
“For certain procedures,such as post-surgical checks,we often have patients come back after a week or two,” Dr. Farooqui explains. ”Now, we’re exploring the possibility of evaluating their recovery remotely, which saves them a trip and frees up appointment slots for other Veterans who need in-person care.”
As the Tele-Dentistry program gains momentum, Dr. Farooqui anticipates it will considerably reduce wait times and improve overall access to dental care for Veterans. He is optimistic about its future and hopes it will become a standard part of Veteran dental services.
The success of this initiative highlights the Orlando VA’s commitment to providing the right care in the right place at the right time. By harnessing technology to streamline services, the Orlando VA continues to improve healthcare access for its veterans, offering them not only timely medical attention but also the convenience they deserve.