Preparing for Teledentistry Appointment

Ensuring a productive pediatric teledentistry visit involves some simple preparation steps that will maximize the effectiveness of the virtual appointment. Follow this guide to get ready:
How to Take Intraoral Photos of Your Child
Clear, well-taken photos help us perform a more accurate screening remotely. Here are some tips:
1. Prepare Your Child
- Explain the Process: Let your child know what to expect to help them feel comfortable. You can make it fun by involving them in the setup.
- Ensure Good Lighting: Find a well-lit area, either with natural or artificial lighting.
2. Gather Equipment
- Use a Good Camera: A smartphone or digital camera with a high-quality camera works best.
3. Maintain Hygiene
- Wash Hands: Clean your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer.
- Wear Gloves: Consider disposable gloves, if available.
4. Positioning with Two People
- Support for Small Children: Have a second person help. One person can take the photos while the other gently holds the child’s head and retracts the cheeks or lips for better visibility. Placing slight pressure on the chin will help them open
- For Young Infants: Place the child’s head on your lap or in bed with gentle support from behind. This setup helps to keep their head steady.
- For older children: They can either use a dental mirror or a clean finger to pull back their cheeks.

5. Capture Different Angles
- Take Multiple Photos: Start with an overview of the child’s face. Capture the upper and lower teeth from various angles, including the roof of the mouth and both sides if possible.
6. Focus on Specific Issues
- Show Areas of Concern: Capture close-up shots of any specific areas of concern. A small lighted dental mirror (available online) can help with visibility.
A lighted dental mirror (found on Amazon shown below) could help retract oral structures or capture areas inside the mouth.
Anti Fog Dental Mirror with LED Light