Outline
Quickstart [Synopsis]
Buying a computer: - defining your needs - what to buy - sources (local computer store, chain stores, mail order, vendor direct)
Setting up the computer: - what should be in the box - major components of the computer - electricity requirements - networking requirements - plugging it all together - booting up - the desktop - what to do if it does not work - passwords & security
Getting onto the Internet: - networking requirements (details; types of connections) - Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - Comparing ISPs - signing up with an ISP - getting connected
Accessing and browsing Web pages: - locating the browser - starting the browser - the browser window - accessing Web addresses - hyperlinks - bookmarks and favorites - protecting your computer from threats from the Internet
Book Website [Synopsis]
Why a Book Website? - book only is quickly obsolete - Website augments the book (direct access to Internet resources, features that are not possible with a book) - book is flexible, portable, no down-time - eBooks not mature yet
The book online: - full text of the book online - completely searchable - ability to print sections - new content is marked (for each reader) - full color illustrations
Updated content: - book is static as soon as it is printed - technology develops rapidly - new information can be included in Web site - allows lengthening of print cycle
Web page addresses: - many problems with Web addresses: * adapted to technology requirements, not users * sometimes not valid, but reason is often not clear (such as Web site reorganized, domain name switched, server renamed, server switched off temporarily) - we maintain Web addresses and monitor Web sites, so readers don't have to
Community: - talk to other readers of the book - share experiences - learn from others - staffed by authors (can provide authoritative replies and advice)
Digital Imaging [Synopsis]
Intraoral cameras: - digital vs. analog - intraoral camera properties (lenses, magnification, resolution, color matching)
Digital cameras:- types of digital cameras - properties (resolution, color depth, image storage media, image transfer)
Digital radiology: - direct digital radiology - computed digital radiology - indirect digital radiology - comparison of traditional film and digital radiology - types of sensors - the DICOM standard.
We welcome you to check out the preview chapter Digital Imaging: Intraoral Cameras.
Computer Basics [Synopsis]
View posted comments [1]Computers and their components: - overview of types of computer systems (workstations, servers, portables, personal digital assistants) - major components
Fundamental concepts: - bits and bytes - hardware and software - communication - CPU - memory - storage
Input: Getting information into computers: - keyboard - mouse (types of mice, such as mechanical, optical) - scanners - cameras - sensors
How computers store and manipulate information: - details of memory and storage - programs and how they interact with data - storage devices and capacities
Output: Getting information out of computers: - monitors - printers - voice - other output devices (fax cards etc.)
Operating systems: - What do operating systems do? - Windows operating systems - Macintosh operating systems - other operating systems (such as Linux)
Networking: - basics of networking (hardware) - networking devices (types, speeds, capabilities) - communication protocols
Practice Management [Synopsis]
View posted comments [4]Patient data management: - basic patient data - individual - family
Billing and insurance processing: - overview of billing and insurance processing - ADA codes - cash billing - predeterminations - insurance claim submission - submitting paper claims - submitting electronic claims
Financial management: basic accounting principles - accounts receivable - accounts payable - account aging - collections
Scheduling: - paper-based scheduling - When does computer-based scheduling make sense - options for scheduling (shared calendar, built into practice management application, by patient through practice Web site) - intelligent scheduling programs
Inventory management: - Why manage inventory - microcosting - online ordering from suppliers - reorder points - automatic reordering
Clinical Applications [Synopsis]
View posted comments [7]Why use computers for clinical dentistry? - history of patient records - "Being digital" in dentistry
Computer-based patient records: - A new view of patient information - capabilities of computer-based patient records (storage, analysis, measurement, decision support)
Recording clinical parameters: - types of devices - computer-based tests (e.g. OralCDx)
Diagnostic and treatment applications: Cerec - Invisalign - DentSim (implant placement) - orthodontic/orthognathic surgery analysis and planning software - digital articulator
Making Decisions [Synopsis]
Literature databases: - MEDLINE - MEDLINE Plus
Clinical information on the Internet: - online oral pathology databases - information about dental materials - clinical guidelines (EBD) - active decision support systems
Searching for information: - Why you can't find everything on the Internet - search engines and their strengths and weaknesses - search strategies - portals- examples of clinical questions and answers
Talking to colleagues: - electronic communication with colleagues you know - dental Internet discussion lists and message boards
Teledentistry: - "grass-roots" teledentistry - advanced teledental applications
Learning Online [Synopsis]
What makes a good online course? - general quality criteria - criteria specific to computers - advanced educational software applications (adaptive learning, simulations, etc.)
Types of courses: - case studies - slide shows - online books or booklets - composite reports - Internet study clubs
Finding online courses: - Why random searching is often fruitless - providers of courses (universities, companies, individuals) - online CE course directories
Evaluating online courses: - signs of quality courses - evaluation worksheet - determining whether CE credits will count
Patients & Computers [Synopsis]
Why involve patients with computers? - general facts about computer use - patient access to health information - education promotes involvement in oral health care and compliance
Patient education: - traditional ways of educating patients - benefits of computer-based patient education (multi-media, customization, periodic updates) - ways to deliver patient education (kiosk computer, PDA)
Patient access to their dental records: - patients are also owners of their records - benefits of patient access - examples of commercial systems
Practice Web pages: - Projecting your practice on the Internet - examples of practice Web pages - things to know about establishing a practice Web page
Implementing Technology [Synopsis]
Why plan for implementation and maintenance? - impact of computer systems - system life cycle considerations - direct and hidden costs Evaluating products: - finding out what is available - obtaining objective information - making comparisons - references
Practice management system models: - client/server - application service provider (ASP) Buying products: - budgeting - negotiating contracts
Implementing new technologies: - planning for implementation - step-wise implementation and fallback solutions - training (doctor and staff)
Complying with regulations: - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Keeping it running: - disaster recovery planning - backup - security - failsafe systems
Future [Synopsis]
Technology in research labs - sensors - hardware - software -genetic testing - nanotechnology - software agents
Dental Informatics
Brief overview of the discipline of dental informatics - how to get involved and stay up to date