How to Prepare For and Benefit From a Virtual Dental Appointment

08.09.2023
| 6 min read

Convenience and flexibility are undeniable benefits of digital technology. It's no surprise that both contribute to helping you prepare for and benefit from a virtual dental appointment.

Speaking of preparation, it’s helpful to know how you can make the most out of your decision to schedule with an online dentist. Attention to certain details ensure that you communication is clear and that you receive an accurate and timely diagnosis.

How to prepare for your virtual dental appointment

Check your tech

The priorities: camera, connection, and platform. Since communication takes place online, it’s essential that you have a reliable and secure internet connection.

Once connection is confirmed, your communication tools are vital. Make sure you have a working camera and microphone via your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the virtual software platform you’ll be using for your appointment. And confirm any login details that could be necessary.

Test your all technical aspects ahead of time to help assure your virtual appointment is glitch-free.

Let-there-be-light

Lighting is key to your setting and enabling your dentist to have clear perspective on your face, jaw, and mouth.

  • Choose a well-lit space in your home.
  • Use a secondary light source (lamp, etc) if natural lighting isn’t adequate.

And on a side-note...wear light-colored, comfortable clothing. Also avoid shirts or tops that are too high-necked and would obscure your neck or jawline during the virtual examination.

Records and requests

An initial dental visit - whether online or in person - typically requires previous dental records and a health history. If you haven't provided these ahead of time make sure to have them accessible for sharing online with your dentist.

Your dental records can include:

  • Previous/current x-rays, scans, or digital images
  • Any relevant diagnostic information you have been provided previously. This is especially vital if you're seeking a second opinion.

Also have a list of questions you want to ask during your virtual appointment.

Relax

Allow the comfort of your home or personal environment to put you at ease for your virtual dental consultation. And be patient should any technical issues arise.

Now that you have perspective on preparation, let's confirm the benefits you can expect from an online dental visit.

The benefits of a virtual dental appointment

Convenient, time-saving access to dental care

Think about it - there's no travel necessary. And you can discuss your dental issue from the comfort of you home or other private location.

  • Consult with a specialist outside of your city or region.
  • Dental care access for those who are elderly, physically challenged, or live in remote locations.

Safe, secure, and private communication

A health crisis (e.g. COVID-19), dental anxiety, or concerns about other exposure risks could prevent you from pursuing necessary dental care. Virtual dental appointments provide you an opportunity to remain in your personal space.

You can also trust the security provided via a dedicated virtual dentistry platform. Secure logins are an additional layer of protection for your privacy and shared information.

Immediate feedback and treatment recommendations

Some dental issues are urgent and require immediate attention. Others might feel urgent and yet not require immediate care.

A virtual dental appointment can clarify your dental issue and allow an online dentist to provide you a diagnosis and next-step treatment recommendations.

Keep in mind that virtual dental appointments are an option to seek an initial diagnosis or a preferred second opinion on a previous diagnosis. Either way, an online dentist can take your care a step further by connecting you with in-person dental care in your area, if necessary.

Consider virtual dental visits as a convenient, efficient, and effective alternative to prioritize your oral health.

Prepare and embrace the benefits.

Virtual dental appointments are an easy care solution on the Dental.com platform.

  • Transparent consultations
  • Free scans
  • Convenient, time-saving access to low cost, virtual dental consultations with a licensed dentist
  • Connection to in-person dental care with dentists in your zip code

Experience the convenience and cost-effective solutions of virtual dental care

The Dental.com team of dental professionals are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat any dental condition. From toothaches to second opinions - you’re covered!

  • Access a 24 hour dentist now from your personal, private, and secure account.
  • Select a reason for your visit using a brief questionnaire.
  • Receive virtual dental care from a licensed dentist when you provide your issue details, any photos, and/or dental/health records.

Discover more about Dental.com on our How it Works page. Or Register Now.