Abstract

TIBURCIO RIBEIRO DA CUNHA PEIXOTO, Rogeli  and  DUTRA LUCAS, Simone. UFMG teledentistry program. Rev. ABENO [online]. 2011, vol.11, n.1, pp. 71-75. ISSN 1679-5954.

Introduction: The Teledentistry program of the School of Dentistry at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) began in 2005 with the BHTelehealth project. Besides this project, the Teledentistry program works with two others: one developed at the School of Medicine and another at the University Hospital (UFMG). Objectives: Provide professionals of dental health services and students with the knowledge produced in the University, resulting in the updating and improvement of professional practices, and, at the same time, decreasing the need to refer patients to distant specialized centers, and providing professionals with an updated or even second opinion. Description of activity: the program has two telehealth activities: videoconferences and teleconsultations. The BH Telehealth's videoconferences occur once a month and last an hour and a half. The School of Medicine's videoconferences are held fortnightly and last one hour. Both the School of Medicine and the University Hospital hold online and offline teleconsultations. Final considerations: This extension project has a relevant set of activities, insofar as it provides ongoing distance learning through videoconferences and teleconsultations to public health professionals and UFMG students. However, the program has been used at too low a rate, considering its unlimited potential. Telematics has unquestionable social relevance since it shortens distances, encourages professor and student integration with public service, extends knowledge and improves health professional performance.

Keywords : Telehealth; Dentistry; Education.