UBC develops ToothPortal app to improve teledentistry for seniors
VANCOUVER: Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed ToothPortal, a secure teledentistry app designed to streamline dental care for seniors in long-term care and enhance hands-on training for dentistry students.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the difficulties of providing oral health care to frail seniors, but even beyond the crisis, accessibility remains a challenge. ToothPortal aims to close this gap by allowing caregivers to securely upload patient photos, medical history, and oral health concerns directly to the UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program for digital triage.
How ToothPortal works
The ToothPortal app guides caregivers, nurses, or family members through a structured process:
- Upload oral health concerns with photos and patient details
- Provide medical and dental history in a secure environment
- Share urgency and personal information for accurate triage
The information is reviewed by UBC’s dental team, who determine the urgency and schedule treatment accordingly. This eliminates unnecessary “first look” appointments, ensuring that seniors receive timely and targeted care.
Addressing barriers in long-term care
Dr. Chris Wyatt, Director of the UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program, explained that transferring patients from long-term care to dental clinics often requires a full day of coordination and travel. ToothPortal significantly reduces this burden by enabling remote assessment before any in-person visit.
Integration with dental education
Since January 2025, third-year UBC dentistry students have been using ToothPortal to screen patients under supervision, while fourth-year students deliver care. This end-to-end workflow not only improves patient access but also provides students with valuable experience in digital triage and hands-on treatment planning.
Real-world impact and patient cases
In one of the first cases in September 2024, a nurse uploaded photos of a patient with a broken tooth. The case was flagged as urgent, and the patient received treatment—including tooth extraction and denture repair—in a single visit. By eliminating a preliminary appointment, the app saved valuable time and reduced discomfort for the patient.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with caregivers reporting quicker responses, fewer emergency visits, and better patient outcomes. Students also appreciate having detailed case data before meeting patients, allowing them to prepare more effectively.
The future of teledentistry at UBC
The developers envision broader applications for ToothPortal, including rural and remote areas where nurses could use the app to consult with dentists and determine whether patients require transfer to hospitals. Beyond triage, the tool also enhances communication between caregivers, specialists, and families, setting a new benchmark for digital healthcare integration.
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