Outline: Comments
Clinical Applications
Mark, California
It would be great to have a chapter covering lecture presentations using computers. Many general dentists will be asked to present lectures for small study groups or more formal conferences. Also, I think it would be great to do a chapter on digital photography in dentistry. I teach a course and have written a syllabus for our prosthodontic residents on digital photography. There is so much confusion about using digital cameras for clinical dentistry because dentists have special requirements (close-ups with good lighting) that many consumer level digital cameras (over 250 different models) can not satisfy. Dentists would be helped greatly if information were available about what their special photographic requirements are and which consumer level digital cameras could satisfy those requirements.
Robert, Germany
Congratulations to your project "Computing in Dentistry"!!! The concept for the book/website is more then excellent. However, before I try to answer your further question? Why didn't you integrate from digitally based imaging techniques, like computed tomography or MRT -scanning and others which are really necessary for all dentists?
Now to your questions: 1. At this point of work its very difficult to assess if you one small book could inform in all aspects. I believe make it easier with 50 % images and graphical illustrations. Nobody has time to read a long time. We are in a video world. Or? 2. Working with computing knows today everybody. Make the topics more specific to dentists who are looking for further diagnositical or therapeutical features.
Peter, Maryland
I think that a section on DICOM would be an excellent addition to the standards area of your technical overview.
Martin, New York
As you may be aware, Electro-Optical Sciences has developed DIFOTI (www.difoti.com), a diagnostic imaging system for safe and reliable early detection of tooth decay, using digital transillumination - not X-rays. With DIFOTI dentists and hygienists can detect early decay on the occlusal, interproximal and smooth surfaces before the decay is evident radiographically, visually or through use of an explorer.
DIFOTI creates real-time digital images on a computer monitor which are stored in a patient database on a PC.
Of course we think that it would be beneficial to include DIFOTI in your "Computing in Dentistry" book/Website, in the section under "Clinical Applications - Diagnostic and Treatment Applications" or possibly under its own category - "Clinical Applications - Digital Transillumination".
Justin, Massachusetts
Digital cameras. As far as I know, we are still the only School offering a full day hands on course in digital still imaging. Each attendee shares a camera and has their own computer. In the seven or eight courses we have given, we have deduced some informnation which is interesting.
Stanley
I think that you have a good idea. The real question is are we ready for it. I have just installed a digital X-ray system. We began in January. It's still doesn't work well consistently. I spent over $18,000 and an incredible amount of time. I love the x-rays I get. The system doesn't work. The technology just isn't there. Cygnus, the company I have been working with is about to install replacement hardware as well as a new set of "drivers" The inconvienence and pain is just not worth it. I would never encourage anyone to do this for at least another 10 years. Few of the companies can keep up with the advancing operating systems. Most software companies recommend windows 98. The dental industry just doesn't have the programing muscle to keep up.
Randy, Georgia
On your chapter about digital radiography, please let the reader know the difference between using sensors and phosphor plates. I use the phospor plates, but almost everybody else in our area uses sensors. Sensors can be painful to the patient who is not anesthetized, but phosphor plates feel about like film.
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