information technology for the health professions, third edition lillian burke and barbara weill...

Information Technology for the Health Professions, Third EditionLillian Burke and Barbara Weill

Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

All rights reserved.

Chapter 9

Information Technology in Dentistry




Education

Online education for professionals Computer-generated treatment plans

for patients Virtual reality simulations to help train

dentists




Administrative Applications

Electronic appointment book, accounting, and record-keeping

Electronic dental charting Electronic dental record




Demographics and the Transformation of Dentistry

Early 20th century, poor care of teeth led to tooth loss by middle age

Late 20th century fluoridated water and better care lead most people to keep their teeth

Epidemic of decay among poor children

Aging population leads to new specialties in dentistry




Computerized Instruments in Dentistry

Fiber optic camera Electronic periodontal probe CAD/CAM to create crowns Digital X-ray




Endodontics

Diagnoses and treats diseases of the pulp

Use of fiber optics to take pictures of the root canal that the dentist and patient can see

Ultrasonic instruments help in root canal therapy




Periodontics

Diagnoses and treats diseases of the gums and other structures supporting the teeth

Periodontal disease is more prevalent in older people

Use of electronic probe and electronic charting




Cosmetic Dentistry

Attempts to create more attractive smiles using:BondingDental implantsDigital cameras and graphics software

to show before and after




Diagnosis and Expert Systems

Collections of evidence-based articles

Databases of articles such as MedLine

Expert systemsEXPERTMD allows the creation of

medical and dental expert systems




Diagnostic Tools

Clinical examinationDentist’s

examination using a probe




Diagnostic Tools

X-rays-used for more than 100 years More effective than clinical

examination May not detect cavities at an early

stage




Diagnostic Tools

Digital radiographyTakes less time than traditional X-raysUses 90% less radiation Images can be immediately seen and

shared on a computer monitorCan be scanned into a patient’s digital

chart




Diagnostic Tools

Electrical conductanceElectrical current passed through the

tooth and the resistance measuredAccurate in the diagnosis of large

cavities, not early lesions




Emerging Diagnostic Methods

Light illuminationA bright light illuminates tooth; decay

looks darker Fiber-optic transillumination

Finds early lesions in enamel




Emerging Methods

DIFOTI®

Takes images of teeth illuminated by lasers; shows direct correlation between loss of flourescence and cavities

Intra-oral fiber-optic camera Gives dentist and patient a close-up

view of mouth




Lasers in Dentistry

Lasers deliver light energy Depending on the target, the light

travels at different wavelengths Different lasers have different uses

Drilling and filling cavitiesReshaping gumsMinimal use in root canal therapyWhitening teeth in cosmetic dentistry




Minimally Invasive Dentistry

PreventionAntibacterial rinsesFluorideSealantsHealthy dietSugarless gum

Minimal interventionAir abrasionLasers




Computers in Dental Surgery

Planning surgery using virtual simulations

Delivery of anesthesia Creation and planning of dental

implants Monitoring of vital signs




The Growth of Specialization

The percentage of dentists who are specialists is expected to rise from 10% to 30%

The aging population may seek cosmetic dentistry

The possibility of early diagnosis may result in dentists who specialize in diagnostics




Teledentistry

Links dentists with dental specialists via telecommunications lines

Images and records can be e-mailed to the specialist, giving patients access to expert advice

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