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Abstract
Discussion Forum (0)
The following report summarises the second paper presented during the Tips and tricks for a successful implant practice session, at the EAO's 25th annual Scientific Meeting in Paris, 2016.
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
Figure 1
Figure 2
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
How photography can improve your private practice
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
How to take photographs that are suitable for documentation
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
Why should we document treatment?
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
The following report summarises the second paper presented during the Tips and tricks for a successful implant practice session, at the EAO's 25th annual Scientific Meeting in Paris, 2016.
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
Figure 1
Figure 2
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
How photography can improve your private practice
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
How to take photographs that are suitable for documentation
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
Why should we document treatment?
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
How photography can improve your private practice
Dr. Antonello Appiani
Abstract
Discussion Forum (0)
The following report summarises the second paper presented during the Tips and tricks for a successful implant practice session, at the EAO's 25th annual Scientific Meeting in Paris, 2016.
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
Figure 1
Figure 2
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
How photography can improve your private practice
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
How to take photographs that are suitable for documentation
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
Why should we document treatment?
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
The following report summarises the second paper presented during the Tips and tricks for a successful implant practice session, at the EAO's 25th annual Scientific Meeting in Paris, 2016.
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
Figure 1
Figure 2
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
In this session, three factors which can contribute to a successful practice were discussed together for the first time:
- the rapid evolution of knowledge and new techniques means dentists need to be well-trained and stay up to date. The first presentation described the EAO's new Education Programme which aims to help clinicians meet the current demands of implant dentistry
- the second presentation explored the growing need for photographic documentation in practice, and how to use dental photography to document and communicate treatment
- the final presentation looked at practice management and provided insights and tips on developing a successful strategy for this
How photography can improve your private practice
The main goal of taking dental photographs is to document the different stages of treatment.
How to take photographs that are suitable for documentation
Equipment and settings for inexperienced users:
- use a digital SLR camera (D-SLR)
- work in 'aperture priority' mode
- set the aperture value to F32 or higher
- enable auto ISO
- use a ring flash in auto flash mode
- set white balance to 5,500K or flash mode
- use an exposure speed of 1/60s
- use manual focus for intraoral images and autofocus for full-face pictures
Advanced equipment for experienced users:
- D-SLR Prosumer or Pro (D7100 or D610)
- 50mm and 105mm macro lenses
- twin flash and flash bracket
Advanced settings:
- use manual mode
- aperture value of F32 or more
- ISO 200
- flash manual mode with 1/1 of power
- exposure time 1/125s
- a ring flash is easy to use, but can make the image lose its 3D quality. Twin flash is more expensive and heavier, but is also more creative and allows you to position the flashes parallel to the lens
Other elements to bear in mind when taking dental photographs:
- the use of black backgrounds is always highly recommended, especially in anterior areas, as the contrast highlights tooth translucency
- higher quality mirrors allow for higher levels of reflection
- polarising filters help minimise reflections
Why should we document treatment?
1. Diagnosis and treatment planning
Photographs can help clinicians develop treatment plans. They can be analysed after the patient has gone and images can be enlarged to reveal fine detail. In orthodontic and prosthetic situations, for treatment in the aesthetic zone, photographs allow you to analyse facial and oral frames by tracing reference lines and planes. This helps formulate the best treatment plan. However, the photographs must be taken with perfect symmetry and without positioning errors or perspective distortion in order for them to be usable.
2. Increased patient education and communication
Using smile design software in conjunction with photographs can help the patient visualise treatment outcomes and make it easier for the practitioner to understand their treatment goals. Compared with traditional wax-ups, the possibilities provided by photography software are huge. Photographs of the try-in or mock-up can clarify the patient's perception of the treatment plan, helping them express their wishes and make the best informed decision.
3. Communication with the laboratory
Treatment plans can also be shared with the laboratory technician who will use the additional information as a visual interpretation of the clinician's 'prescription'. This reduces the likelihood of confusion or miscommunication. 'One picture is worth a thousand words.' (Figures 1 and 2)
4. Legal documentation
Photographs can also help resolve disagreements between dentists and patients before a potential dispute reaches the litigation stage. We cannot rely on our memories alone to resolve patient complaints. Photographs can provide proof of the condition of the mouth before and after treatment, and are valid for use as forensic records. This provides legal protection for both the dentist and the patient.
5. Improving our practice
Photographs are also essential tools for case presentations, or as part of sharing and training programmes. During follow-up examinations, dental photography is very useful for studying the evolution of the case and evaluating treatment outcomes. It is a useful tool for providing feedback to learn from our own practice.
Dental photography can be used as a kind of 'quality control' measure. By enlarging and projecting photographs, any weaknesses in a treatment plan will also be magnified, making them easier to identify. This helps us prevent potential mistakes and improve our future practice.
This summary was prepared by the EAO Congress Scientific Report rapporteurs and approved by the speaker.
View the full publication at: www.eao.org
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