Eur J Dent Educ. 2017;1–6. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/eje | 1 © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Accepted: 30 January 2017 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12265 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Formative evaluation of a teledentistry training programme for oral health professionals K. K. McFarland 1 | P. Nayar 2,3 | A. Chandak 2 | N. Gupta 2 1 Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA 2 Department of Health Services Research & Administration, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA 3 Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA Correspondence Preethy Nayar, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. Email: pnayar@unmc.edu Funding information Health Resources and Services Administration, Grant/Award Number: # D85HP20046 Abstract Introduction: The objective of this study was to conduct a formative evaluation of a teledentistry (TD) programme that was developed for a predominantly rural state in the Midwestern United States. Materials and Methods: Formative evaluation data were collected on programme ac- tivities from the TD programme records. In addition, the effectiveness of the TD train- ing programme was evaluated using a self-administered paper-based survey administered to the participants, immediately following completion of the training ac- tivity. Ninety-three dental students, oral health and other health professionals partici- pated in the TD training programme. Results: Overall, the trainees rated the TD training programme highly, with regard to the content, format and skills improvement. The evaluation also demonstrated a posi- tive change in all trainees’ attitudes following the training sessions, with most trainees acknowledging a positive impact of the training on their knowledge and competency. Discussion and Conclusions: We identified challenges in the development of the TD programme and in expanding access to oral health care for rural communities. Challenges included reimbursement and a limited interest amongst established dental offices. Dental schools can play an important role in preparing both dental health pro- fessionals and other health professionals in the use of TD by providing training and oral health expertise. The use of TD by non-dental providers for consultation, referral and disease management has the potential to improve oral health outcomes, particu- larly for rural and underserved populations. Evaluation data provide critical feedback to programme planners and administrators. KEYWORDS evaluation, teledentistry 1 | INTRODUCTION Teledentistry (TD) is the use of health information technology and telecommunications for oral care, consultation, education and pub- lic awareness with the broad goal of improving oral health. 1 TD has produced a dramatic transformation in oral health care, particularly in rural and remote areas where there are no practicing dentists. 2-4 Experienced dentists have used TD to aid their younger colleagues in the identification of root canal orifices, 5 to provide consultations and support for dental trauma when the dentist is unavailable, 6 to diagnose dental caries amongst juvenile offenders 7 and to provide diagnostic support in primary healthcare clinics where an oral medi- cine specialist is unavailable. 8 Moreover, TD also provides for screen- ing children in inner-city elementary schools and childcare centres 9 as well as increasing interceptive orthodontic services to disadvantaged children with real-time supervision from an orthodontist. 10 The bene- fits of TD include reduced costs of care, 11 increased quality of care, 11 peer contact and specialist support for the dental practitioners, 11