mDentistry

As little as 15 years ago, asking patients to use their cell phones or personal assistant devices to monitor their oral health or seek oral health care would have been considered “mission impossible.” Now, given the adoption of mobile devices and smartphone technology, coupled with the expansion of Wi-Fi–supporting infrastructure, patients are equipped with the tools to track their oral health, behaviors, and goals. This is a relatively new phenomenon, but it offers great opportunities. Therefore, we would like to call your attention to the concept of mobile dentistry (mDentistry), which could ultimately reinvent the care delivery system in dentistry, as well as present its future possibilities. Dr. Xiao is an associate professor and the director for Perinatal Oral Health, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. Dr. Fiscella is a professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. Dr. Meyerowitz is a professor and the director for the Northeast Region of The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, 625 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14620.