A system and method for providing a consumer with dental services and
products from a retail location, such as, for example, a local shopping
mall. The dental service or product may include a teeth whitening product
or service. The retail location is operated by a registered dental
assistant or hygienist under supervision of a licensed off-site dentist.
The dental assistant or hygienist uses an intra-oral camera and/or x-ray
machine to take images of the customer's teeth and/or mouth. The images
are transmitted to the off-site dentist over a data communications
network. The off-site dentist evaluates the images and approves or denies
a request for a particular dental service or product. If approved, the
product or service is dispensed from the retail location. The off-site
dentist may also recommend that the customer see a specialist. In this
case, a referral to a specialist in the customer's area is made. An
initial consultation with the specialist may also be conducted from the
retail site, via video-conferencing technology.