The role of real-time interactive video consultations in dental practice during the recovery and restoration phase of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused many challenges for the dental profession and workforce. With the suspension of routine dental services at the end of March 2020, there is a significant number of the general population with acute dental problems. In addition to these, there are patients who had treatment suspended partway through their treatment plans and therefore there is now a backlog of patients awaiting dental care. One challenge that will face the profession moving forward will be facilitating access to these patients and determining which patients should be seen as a priority for necessary dental care. This article looks at the role of real-time interactive video consultations in dental practice during the recovery and restoration phase of the COVID-19 outbreak and how they could facilitate the management of patients waiting to access dental care.