## 4 Discussion
Despite these benefits and the positive impact of orthodontic monitoring during the pandemic, which has produced encouraging results for both dentists and patients, some procedures require direct access to the mouth and hands-on intervention by the clinician that cannot be performed via telemedicine [49]. These procedures include initial orthodontic examination, data collection, bonding and detaching of orthodontic brackets, bands, and clear aligner attachments, interproximal reduction (stripping), enameloplasty/oclusal adjustment, and cutting, bending, and changing wires [51]. In addition, several authors have reported some limitations related to remote support, including the insufficient quality of the photos, the problems related to the insufficient internet support, and/or the learning curve required for the correct functioning of the device or applications, which affect both the dental staff and the patient and his/her family members [52]. _What Does the Future Hold?_  
Continuative applications of teledentistry in pediatric dental practice have begun to emerge. These include teleconsultation, telediagnosis, tele-education, and telehealth networks, which could be systematically integrated for the maintenance of pediatric oral health. However, some aspects must be addressed to ensure these methods become part of dentists' daily routines. Indeed, aspects related to the privacy and protection of sensitive data of patients and to data protection obligations of a health facility working using telemedicine and teledentistry are diverse and correspond to the sensitivity of the particular data to be processed [53]. For these reasons, staff should request only the data necessary to provide the health service and implement technical and organizational measures to prevent alteration or loss of data and ensure their security throughout the service process. Time limits for data retention or deletion should be established, along with a simple process that identifies ways to address patient needs promptly and clearly. In addition, the cost of compensating healthcare professionals for providing these services should be addressed. Certainly, strategies must be adopted to equip structures with specialized equipment, hardware, and adequate internet coverage to support these procedures to limit the socioeconomic and territorial exclusion dynamics that exist today in many areas; it should be considered that especially in rural or underdeveloped areas, an internet connection is also an obstacle. Communication that is not stable and clear between the patient and the dentist can lead to wasted time, misunderstanding, or misdiagnosis. It may be appropriate to make centers with software, trained staff, and good internet coverage available to patients in rural areas so that they can conveniently connect [54]. The next generation of dentists will have new tools including information networks and simulations, such as learning platforms that deliver virtual content, which will enable the remote transfer of skills. It will be very important to acquire the ability to think and work with these technologies at all levels of education. This will lead to the growth and projection of specialists toward digital health, which will inevitably lead to an adaptation of curricula and training of future dentists [55]. For this reason, it might be desirable to include specific knowledge regarding the possible uses of teledentistry and the skills required for its informed use in the university curriculum of dental students [56]. As a prerequisite for the transition from an experimental method to a structured method in relation to the widespread use of these services, harmonization of telemedicine, as well as teledentistry, guidelines and application models are required. Despite the initial positive impact, further research is needed to assess effectiveness, cost-benefit, and long-term outcomes. However, tele-assistance should be seen as an opportunity for dentists and new generations to project the profession into the future.