Digital Cameras
The new patient exam should now include a full series of photos to go along with the radiographs. Case presentations as well as complete analysis by the patient, practitioner and dental technician are enhanced by excellent photos. It is also an understatement that photos are a supplement or in many cases, a substitute for the traditional tooth charting done in most offices on pre-printed forms or computer schematic templates with an array of colors and symbols. The camera can also help with documentation of procedures or problems with hard or soft tissue areas. Referrals with accompanying images are invaluable and if copies are sent to the patient, there is a reinforcement of the issues. In addition, it is always helpful to have before and after photos of patients for future marketing.
The extent of the use of the photos will determine which camera is best suited for the practice. For simple internal documentation, the office will not need the camera sophistication of the practice that wants to print poster size photos of beautiful smiles. Some cameras have limited operator adjustments while others rival the SLRs of the past with precise image handling, multiple lenses and flashes. Some of the point and shoot cameras can be modified by dental dealers or in Kodak’s case, the manufacturer, with close-up lenses and modified flashes.
Use of the digital camera in the dental practice will be a major enhancement in all phases of treatment. The documentation is obvious for both the provider and the front desk area. It will be much easier to schedule elective or emergency procedures with excellent photos of the dental conditions. Communication within the office from hygienist or assistant to doctor is enhanced. Referrals are simplified with the additional possibility of sending digital images via email or secure web site. The patient will be able to clearly see conditions making treatment decisions simpler and mutually acceptable. Communications with dental labs are also enhanced with graphical descriptions as well as better shade descriptions. The laboratory has a better sense of descriptions such as “a little lighter than shade A3”.
Although this appears to be a simple task, several excellent dental photography courses are given throughout the year. All clinical staff members are encouraged to participate in these courses.
High end Cameras
(SLR, TTL, multi option)
Canon 20D
Canon EOS Rebel
Nikon D100
Nikon D70
Fuji 3
Point and shoot
Canon G6
Nikon Coolpix
Kodak 7490 (complete kit)
Dental Photo
dealers
Photomed
Norman Camera
National Camera Exchange
Dine Corp