Whatsapp platform as a teledentistry tool in oral and maxillofacial pathologies in Senegal

• Main Authors: Babacar Tamba, Mamadou Diatta, Alpha Kounta, Mouhammad Kane, Bintou Gassama, Abdou Ba, Aida Gning, Soukeye Dia Tine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-07-01
• Series: Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Subjects: WhatsApp; Oral pathology; Maxillofacial pathology; Senegal
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667147621001102

Objective: To study the contribution of teledentistry, via the WhatsApp application of the “Dentists of Senegal”, on the management of oral and maxillofacial pathology. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study took place over a period of 3 months, from 1 October to December 30, 2020. This study was conducted on the WhatsApp group platform of the Senegalese Dentists. A total of 150 communications were included. Results: Public sector dentists sent more communications, 88% of the communications. By specialty, general practitioners had sent more communications, 82.7% of communications. For the oral surgery receiver site, 71% of communications were received. 65% of referring dentists had given a diagnosis. Patients with tumours and cysts represented more than half of the sample (53.3%) followed by trauma patients (18.6%). The most common infections were cellulitis (46.66%) and osteitis (33.33%). Oral and maxillofacial surgeons managed 69.33% of the pathology. Conclusion: WhatsApp is a fundamental contribution to the remote diagnosis and management of oral and maxillofacial pathologies, especially during the current covid-19 pandemic.