Perceptions and utilization of tele-orthodontics: a survey of the members of the American Association of Orthodontists

Objective This study aimed to investigate orthodontists’ utilization and perceptions of tele-orthodontics. Materials and methods A 30-item online survey was distributed to members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The questionnaire encompassed topics concerning the orthodontists’ utilization, perceptions, clinical applications, limitations, and concerns regarding tele-orthodontics. Descriptive statistics were employed, and comparisons between responses from users and non-users were conducted using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Fisher’s exact tests. Results 152 members completed the survey, (response rate: 2.4%). More than two third of respondents (69.74%) were users of tele-orthodontics. Users were more aligned with the belief that tele-orthodontics facilitates effective communication (mean ± standard deviation (SD) 4.06 ± 0.83 vs. 3.33 ± 0.94, p