Brushing up with technology: A review on the role of mobile applications in dental practice

A significant change in the provision, administration, and enjoyment of oral healthcare has been brought about by the incorporation of mobile applications into dental practices. Dental mobile apps have developed into multipurpose tools that support clinical diagnosis, patient education, practice management, remote consultations, and continuing professional development as smartphones and mobile internet become more widely used. By improving patient engagement, accessibility, accuracy, and efficiency, these applications are revolutionizing traditional dental treatment. In addition to helping dentists with evidence-based decision-making, image interpretation, medication references, and appointment scheduling, they also empower patients through interactive learning, real-time communication, and individualized dental hygiene monitoring. This paper examines the development and categorization of dental mobile applications, along with their numerous advantages and implementation challenges within the Indian healthcare system. Along with highlighting noteworthy Indian dentistry apps backed by actual case studies, it also provides information on upcoming trends, including wearable technology integration, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Mobile applications have the potential to transform dentistry practice and significantly advance oral health promotion in the digital era with focused innovations, locally relevant information, and suitable policy frameworks.