The team is working with Chad Carpenter, DDS, who practices in Rapid City but often serves rural and isolated communities where there are few dentists. He realized that remote dentistry could increase access to dental care in these areas.
The group is creating an automated device that can be set up by a dental hygienist at a local facility. A dentist can then remotely oversee the dental work being performed at the facility using a robotic extension.
The prototype uses 3D-printed impression trays to secure the device to the mouth. It also includes a handpiece with three dimensions of movement to get to the area that needs attention.
