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Investigating the Availability and Key Features of Dental Health Applications in the Google Play Store
1 , 2 , 2 , * 1 , 1 , 3, 4 , 1 , 1, 5, 6
1  Department of Dental Research, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Maharashtra, Pimpri, Pune, 411018 India
2  Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Maharashtra, Pimpri, Pune, 411018 India
3  Department of Population Health Informatics, Dehradun Institute of Technology, Dehradun, India
4  FIND INDIA, NEW DELHI, India
5  Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Mes-sina, Messina 98100, Italy
6  Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples 80121, Italy
Academic Editor: Eugenio Vocaturo

Abstract:

Amidst the rapid proliferation of mHealth applications, questions persist regarding their efficacy, usability, and integration into oral health practice. This review aims to inform practitioners and stakeholders in the field of oral health on the potential of digital technologies to transform healthcare delivery and promote healthy behaviours. Key terms included "dental", "dentistry", "oral health", "dental treatment", and "tooth care". The Google Play Store search identified 130 applications, out of which 17 met our study objectives. Most applications (n=13) focused on providing dental appointments, oral health education, and promotion. Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) quality rating revealed that only 50% of these applications were high quality. Engagement and information were the least-scored subscales. The review highlights the many benefits that these digital tools provide, including online appointments, teleconsultations, and oral health educational resource access. Nevertheless, despite their potential, the current state of dental health applications leaves substantial room for development, especially in the areas of user involvement and information quality. The lack of reliable and accurate information in many applications may be harmful to users' health. To fully realize the potential of these digital technologies and enhance oral health outcomes on a larger scale, coordinated actions involving stakeholders from the technology and dentistry sectors are imperative.

Keywords: Oral Health; eHealth; Smartphone; Dentistry
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