Optimising remote collection of odontological data.

Abstract: 1.1 Problem statement  This study looks to examine if and how patient/dentist contact can be reduced through remote diagnosis. The goal of the study is to formulate an understanding of what type of data needs to be collected and how to optimize the collection of that data (through digital platforms) to put together an odontological diagnosis that is as accurate as possible.  In other words, can medical diagnosis of the oral cavity be done correctly remotely? How is the process of remote odontological data collection optimized through platform design (interface and functionality)?  1.2 Methods  To collect remote data pertaining to the oral cavity and its health status a system is designed composed of three separate parts that interact. A database for the permanent storage of user data, a webpage for the collection of user data through user input and a backend system that acts as conveyer of information between the users and the database. Once the system is deployed user data is collected and interpreted, the quality of the data is then assessed by qualified dentists and the system modified based on the feedback from users and dentists. After the system has been modified it is redeployed, new data is collected, and its quality assessed and compared to the data previously collected. These modifications can be in the form of minor changes made to small parts of the system or major changes involving the entire system. Although this sort of feedback loop enhancement can be performed repeatedly during a long period of time, the goal is to complete two major iterations and a series of minor changes as feedback is obtained. User feedback will be received primarily through social media as the system does not allow users to express their opinions in any direct way. This is simplified by the fact that most users will be recruited through social media platforms.  1.3 Results  Although initially the concern was that users would have issues taking adequate images/videos of the oral cavity and its oral pathologies if present, this concern was quickly dismissed. The main issue users encountered were those related to navigation of the platform resulting in users submitting incomplete data. Once changes were applied to simplify navigation the results changed drastically, and majority of the data collected was complete. As data was collected it became clear that many different types of cases could be correctly diagnosed remotely, however, some cases inevitably will require a clinical examination to diagnose due to various factors such as the need for radiographs and/or dental probing. Nevertheless, the changes made to the platform over the iterations did help to optimise data collection significantly.