Online Dental Second Opinion (Simple & Easy Solution)

Matt Hannan, DDS
Updated: January 16, 2024

Have you ever left the dentist confused or conflicted about the proposed dental treatment?

Thinking about scheduling and visiting another local dentist for a second opinion is a drag.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could consult the dentist from your home?

My Dental Advocate is the perfect solution to review your proposed dental treatment and x-rays without visiting another dentist.

Our board-certified dentists will provide a non-biased report to give you peace of mind about expensive dental work.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Telehealth Visit

What’s the difference between synchronous vs. asynchronous telehealth dental visits? Although they are complex words, it’s simple to understand the differences.

Synchronous Telehealth

Synchronous telehealth is the most common treatment communication method using technology to “virtually connect” with a dental provider. Synchronous is routinely referred to as telehealth or virtual visit.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, “synchronous telehealth happens in live, real-time settings where the patient interacts with a provider.”

Synchronous telehealth dental visits are available through reputable websites, including Sesame, Toothpic or Teledentists. In addition, you can find a complete list of the best teledentistry companies at onlinedoctor.com.

Important Features

• Real-time remote interaction with a healthcare provider via video or audio.
• Also known as a “virtual visit” or “telehealth visit.”
• Available through reputable websites and telehealth companies.
• Suitable for various healthcare services, including dental consultations.
• Treatment options may be limited due to the virtual nature of the visit.

Asynchronous Telehealth

Asynchronous telehealth is another method that captures the patient’s information, followed by reporting back to the patient later.

As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines, a “patient or physician collects medical history, images and pathology reports…” In other words, the patient and provider do not interact via video or audio in real time.

My Dental Advocate communicates with the patient via asynchronous telehealth. Upload information and receive a response within 24 hours; no appointment is needed.

Asynchronous telehealth involves a time delay in communication between the patient and the provider.

This method works well for busy patients unable to connect at a specific time.

For example, some patients would rather avoid a live consultation with a provider and receive a detailed report instead. In addition, this allows them to read it at their convenience.

Important Features

• Involves a time delay in communication between a patient and a provider.
• Patients provide medical history, images, and reports for later review by the provider.
• Suitable for various healthcare services, including dental consultations.
• Enables remote consultations without live interaction.
• Convenient for busy patients who prefer detailed reports over live consultations.
• Patients can review information at their convenience.
• Accessible through reputable websites and telehealth companies.

Is Telehealth Better Than In-Person Consultations?

Dental consultations are essential for receiving superior dental care.

However, discussing telehealth or in-person dental consultations has many pros and cons.

Telehealth Visit

As mentioned, dental telehealth visits have two options, “live virtual consultation” and “delayed remote consultation.”

If you plan on having a live consultation, you need a scheduled dental appointment with the clinician during operating business hours. Treatment options are limited because of the virtual visit.

However, clarification of a dental concern is advised. In addition, the clinician may prescribe antibiotic medication (depending on the business and location).

“Delayed remote consultation” is how My Dental Advocate operates and involves uploading X-rays, treatment plans and other documents.

Then, after paying a small fee, your information will be securely sent to a board-certified dentist to review.

Within hours, you’ll receive the MDA Verification Report verifying your proposed dental treatment or recommending alternative options. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, you can reply to the email and message the dentist.

In-Person Visit

In-person dental visits are essential and standard of care for dental treatment.

In addition, in-person dental visits are ideal for patients with urgent dental emergencies requiring immediate hands-on dental treatment.

However, it’s not always best if a patient seeks a second opinion. For example, virtual dentistry is an excellent option if the patient has mobility issues or wants to avoid exposure to germs.

In a perfect world, visiting another local dentist for a second opinion is ideal and simple for your dental health; however, there are many barriers.

Barriers

• Pay an additional consultation fee
• It may not be covered by insurance
• Taking an additional complete series of X-rays
• Schedule another dental appointment
• Miss another day of work
• Involves 2+ hours of your time
• You may not receive clarification about your dental concerns

Online Dental Second Opinion

Online dental second opinions can be a convenient and efficient way to review proposed dental treatment.

Many people may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the treatment recommendations they receive from their dentist, and seeking a second opinion can help provide clarity and confidence in the decisions being made about their dental care.

In addition, with online dental second opinions, patients can quickly consult with a qualified professional from their homes without needing to schedule and attend another in-person appointment.

Key Benefits

• Convenient and efficient for reviewing treatment proposals from home.
• Boost confidence and clarity in treatment decisions, especially for costly procedures.
• Detailed examination of x-rays and diagnostic images ensures comprehensive treatment.
• Objective assessment by a non-biased professional.
• A valuable tool to guarantee optimal dental care.

My Dental Advocate Solution

My Dental Advocate provides a valuable service for patients seeking a second opinion on their proposed dental treatment.

By offering asynchronous telehealth consultations, My Dental Advocate allows patients to securely upload their treatment plans and x-rays and receive a response from a board-certified dentist within hours.

We provide a convenient and efficient way to review proposed dental treatment and receive a non-biased report, giving you peace of mind about any expensive dental work you may be considering.

In addition, if patients have any questions or concerns about their treatment, they can reply to the email and message the dentist for further clarification.

My Dental Advocate is a helpful resource for patients looking to ensure they receive the best care for their dental health.

MDA Verification Report

What is the My Dental Verification Report, and why is it important?

Our board-certified dentists will review your case and provide an unbiased second opinion on how you should move forward with your proposed dental treatment.

We respect all dentists suggested treatment; however, we desire clarity for your dental needs. You should understand what dental work is necessary to move forward with treatment confidently.

How We Help

• Avoid unnecessary dental treatment
• Potentially save you thousands of dollars
• Information reviewed privately and securely
• Unbiased assessment that brings you peace of mind
• Quick response time to review the report at your convenience
• Clarity and confidence moving forward with dental treatment
• Completed from the comfort of your own home

What’s Involved?

With My Dental Advocate, patients of all ages now have an unbiased, expert second opinion to securely review their proposed dental treatment and gain the knowledge to improve their oral health.

Step 1: Complete Questionnaire

The questionnaire includes a brief medical history, oral hygiene habits, and an opportunity to explain your dental concerns.

Step 2: Upload X-rays

Contact your provider to request your x-rays or take a photo of them at the office. You can also upload dental photos, current treatment plans, periodontal probings, and other supporting documents.

Step 3: Submit Payment

We will privately send your information to a board-certified dentist who will securely assess your case and provide a detailed second opinion for your proposed dental work.

Step 4: Receive MDA Verification Report

We will email your MDA Verification Report second opinion within hours for review at your convenience and from the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it OK to get a second opinion from a dentist?

It is generally considered acceptable and even advisable to get a second opinion from a dentist, especially if you have concerns about the proposed treatment or are considering expensive or extensive procedures. A second opinion can provide additional perspective and help you feel more confident in your treatment decisions. It’s important to note that seeking a second opinion does not necessarily mean you do not trust your current dentist – it simply means that you want to ensure you are receiving the best possible care for your dental health.

What are the disadvantages of teledentistry?

One potential disadvantage of teledentistry is the limited treatment options available due to the virtual nature of the visit. Hands-on treatment cannot be performed during a telehealth visit, and some procedures may not be suitable for virtual consultation. Another disadvantage is the potential for technology issues, such as poor internet connection or difficulty with video conferencing software. Additionally, teledentistry may not be suitable for patients with urgent dental emergencies that require immediate hands-on treatment.

Why is it sometimes necessary to get a second opinion from a dentist?

There are several reasons why it may be necessary to get a second opinion from a dentist. For example, if you have concerns about the proposed treatment or feel uncertain about the recommendations you have received, a second opinion can provide additional perspective and help you feel more confident in your decisions. Additionally, if you are considering expensive or extensive procedures, it can be helpful to consult with another professional to ensure that all necessary treatment is being recommended. In some cases, patients may also seek a second opinion to ensure that they are receiving the most appropriate treatment for their specific needs.

Why is teledentistry good?

Teledentistry can be a good option for patients who cannot access in-person dental care due to mobility issues or want to avoid exposure to germs in a clinical setting. It can also be a convenient and efficient way to review proposed treatment and receive a second opinion from a qualified professional without the need to schedule and attend another in-person appointment. Teledentistry can be particularly useful for busy patients who may not have the time to visit a dental office in person. Additionally, teledentistry can help improve access to dental care in underserved or remote areas where in-person dental services may be limited.

My Experience & Expertise

If you have concerns about the proposed treatment or are considering expensive or extensive procedures, My Dental Advocate can help.

It’s essential to carefully consider all treatment options and consult a qualified professional to ensure you receive the best care for your dental health.

Whether through in-person visits or telehealth consultations, seeking a second opinion can provide valuable insights and help you feel more confident in your treatment decisions.

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!