For dentists who have single-operator offices, a single, stationary intraoral camera is appropriate. Some standalone cameras are mounted on carts, allowing relatively easy relocation. However, frequently relocating the camera can consume significant amounts of time due to ancillary activities, such as reconnecting the camera to the display systems.
Offices with more than one operatory may be better served with a multi-operatory system, in which the intraoral camera itself is portable. After moving it, the dentist must connect it to its base unit or computer connection. If demand justifies it, dentists can also buy more than one handpiece that works with the same base unit.
To be included: diagram of multi-op system.
Some manufacturers of dental chairs offer cameras integrated into the unit itself (See Fig. 1). The intraoral camera is just another handpiece the dentist can pick up from the delivery system. Since most older dental units cannot be upgraded, this is mainly an option for dentists who are purchasing a completely new dental unit.
| Question: Match the picture of the intraoral camera with the type of camera (single-operatory or multi-operatory camera). |