Teledentistry models led by dental hygienists in underserved communities: a literature review.

Objective: This thematic literature review explores current teledentistry models led by dental hygienists in rural, underserved areas. Its primary aim is to critically evaluate the impact of these models on access to care, clinical and economic outcomes, and workforce development. This review provides valuable insights for health care professionals, policymakers, and researchers interested in oral health care and telehealth. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in the following databases: Ovid/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences (EBSCOhost). The search terms were organized into 3 conceptual categories: population, intervention, and provider. Only peer-reviewed articles on teledentistry-based care delivered by dental hygienists or comparable providers, such as dental therapists, in underserved or rural settings were included. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria for review: all explored the implementation of teledentistry models in underserved communities. These studies used a variety of qualitative, descriptive, and mixed-method designs. The literature highlighted effective service delivery models, economic advantages, positive patient and provider outcomes, and policy limitations. Discussion: Five key themes emerged: service delivery models and access to care, economic and clinical efficiency, regulatory and policy environments, workforce development and training, and systemic barriers to program sustainability. Conclusion: Teledentistry initiatives led by trained dental hygienists are a cost-effective and scalable means of improving access to care for underserved rural or Indigenous populations. Expanding these models across rural and urban regions and integrating this implementation into policy reform, workforce investment, and mainstream dental and dental hygiene education should be considered an urgent priority.