Patients can now learn about the possible causes of dental problems from their smartphones, tablets or the Internet via the new Dental Symptom Checker App recently launched by the American Dental Association.
Available for iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as online via the ADA’s MouthHealthy.org website, the new app allows patients to enter their age, gender and location of symptoms along with other factors such as pain or discharge in order to learn about the possible causes of those symptoms.
The app is designed to help patients make better choices about their oral health and is not meant to provide definitive diagnoses or to replace a visit to a dentist, according to a press release. Developed by an ADA member dentist and vetted by four ADA councils, the symptom checker app was one of the main features planned when the ADA launched the MouthHealthy website in 2012.
The free app can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes App Store or Google Play, as well as accessed at MouthHealthy.org.
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American Dental Association Debuts Symptom Checker App
Chicago – The American Dental Association (ADA) has introduced the ADA® Dental Symptom Checker™ on MouthHealthy.org to provide patients with accurate information about their oral health symptoms, help them make better-informed decisions about their oral health, help build consumer awareness of the importance of oral health and recognize the benefits of regular dental visits.
After entering their age and gender in the ADA Dental Symptom Checker, patients can identify the location of the symptom they’re having and other factors, such as pain or discharge, and read about various conditions that fit that description. The Symptom Checker is not meant to diagnose or replace the role of the dentist. In fact, many of the conditions emphasize the importance of seeing a dentist or physician.
The ADA developed the ADA Dental Symptom Checker in conjunction with an ADA member dentist who is a faculty member at an accredited U.S. dental school. Four ADA councils vetted the Symptom Checker. In developing MouthHealthy.org, a symptom checker tool was identified as the top feature requested by consumers.
The ADA launched the award-winning MouthHealthy.org website in June 2012 to reach the 80 percent of Internet users who seek health information online. Consumers can find oral health concerns organized by life stages, A-Z topics with videos, ADA Seal of Acceptance products, and tips and activities to make oral health care fun for kids.
The ADA Dental Symptom Checker is now available as an interactive Web platform on MouthHealthy.org, as well as a downloadable app on iTunes and Google Play.
Source: American Dental Association