Teledentistry Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The global teledentistry market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 2,614.50 million by 2027, up from US$ 667.13 million in 2019. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% from 2020 to 2027.

The increasing adoption of teledentistry, coupled with the rising prevalence of oral health issues, is expected to drive market expansion in the coming years. However, challenges such as data security concerns and the increasing threat of cyberattacks may impede growth during the forecast period.

Teledentistry encompasses a range of technologies, including imaging, electronic information, and communication tools that facilitate data transfer and interactive audio and video communication. This approach supports dental care through diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, and the transfer of dental information. Teledentistry addresses various challenges related to accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and the quality of dental care. Furthermore, the rapid increase in smartphone usage and internet connectivity in developing regions is noteworthy. For example, the GSM Association predicts that by 2025, around 475 million individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa will own a smartphone.

Currently, a significant portion of the global population lacks access to regular dental care. In the United States, only about 40% of individuals visit a dentist annually, leaving approximately 125 million people in need of dental assistance. The healthcare system in the US is undergoing substantial transformation, primarily due to the high costs associated with care and the limited outcomes achieved. Factors such as an increasing overall and aging population, economic growth, heightened awareness of oral health, and improved insurance coverage are driving up dental expenditures. Teledentistry is playing a crucial role in enhancing global health outcomes while also reducing costs, as it allows for quicker and more efficient delivery of care and education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of teledentistry services worldwide. The fear of contracting the virus has prompted health authorities to establish new guidelines and recommendations. Teledentistry has provided a safe method for oral health care providers to conduct consultations, diagnoses, and treatment planning, thereby minimizing patient movement and reducing the risk of virus transmission. Many dentists have collaborated with various dental organizations to facilitate the implementation of teledentistry.

Component Insights

The teledentistry market is categorized based on components into hardware and software & services. In 2019, the software and services segment dominated the market. The hardware segment includes tools that provide a mobile framework and storage solutions. Teledentistry hardware consists of equipment utilized in both home and clinical settings, while the software enables users to perform essential tasks for gathering patient information.

Delivery Mode Insights

Regarding delivery modes, the teledentistry market is divided into cloud-based and on-premise solutions. The cloud-based segment held a significant market share in 2019 and is anticipated to experience robust growth during the forecast period due to its advantages over on-premise systems. For instance, MouthWatch has developed TeleDent, a cloud-based teledentistry platform that utilizes intraoral cameras to meet the specific needs of teledentistry programs and streamline referrals.

End User Insights

From the perspective of end users, the global teledentistry market is segmented into patients, payers, providers, and others. In 2019, the providers segment accounted for the largest market share. Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting teledentistry technologies as a primary means of delivering care to patients, with these methods rapidly evolving within the healthcare sector.

Key primary and secondary sources for the teledentistry market analysis include reputable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Research Council Canada, World Health Organization, Health and Medicine Division, National Health Insurance Fund Administration, and the Food and Drug Administration.