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

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.