title: Teledentistry: knowledge and attitudes among dentists in Udaipur, India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Teledentistry is a synergistic combination of telecommunications technology; internet and dental practice which shows promising potential to be a highly effective mechanism for enhancing diagnosis and related treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding teledentistry among dentists of Udaipur.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the total of 105 dentists in Udaipur, India. A self administered structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge (8 items) and attitude (12 items) regarding teledentistry. The response format was based on 5-point Likert scale. Analysis of variance, t-test and multiple linear regression model was utilized for statistical analysis. Level of significance was fixed at p ≤ 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean scores for knowledge and attitudes were 25.61 ± 3.197 and 38.61 ± 4.742 respectively. Bivariate analysis revealed that work experience was significantly associated with both knowledge and attitude means scores (p ≤ 0.05). Significant predictors of knowledge scores were work experience (R=0.381, p=0.000), qualification (R=0.504, p=0.000), internet access (R=0.548, p=0.000); for attitude scores it was only internet access (R=0.261, p=0.007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An unbalanced knowledge of teledentistry among current dentists has suggested the need for awareness programmes to fill the knowledge gaps and instill positive attitudes.
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Pacific Dental College and Hospital, Airport Road, Debari, Udaipur - 313024, Rajasthan, India, Tel: +919001341988; Fax: +912942491508; E-mail: rameshpcd@yahoo.co.in.
authors.forename: Nagarajappa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ramesh
authors.forename: Aapaliya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pankaj
authors.forename: Sharda
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Archana J
authors.forename: Asawa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kailash
authors.forename: Tak
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mridula
authors.forename: Pujara
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Piyush
authors.forename: Bhanushali
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nikhil