2003-13-3-Editorial - Saudi Dental Journal

ISSN (Print) 1013-9052
EISSN 1658-3558

The Saudi Dental Journal,
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel.	966-1-467-7328
Fax.	933-1-467-7308 / 966-1-467-7534
Email	saudidj@ksu.edu.sa

Editorial

Dentistry in the age of Information Technology

Over the past ten years, we have witnessed the world around us transformed by electronic and digital technologies and their impact on our ability to locate, collect, process and disseminate information. Today, the various options at our disposal are the result of advancing technology which have led to the birth of an entirely new industry that generates enormous amounts of information, and experts to guide us through the maze of the information created. The information technology revolution has made its way into dentistry. In 1997, a study conducted by the American Dental Association revealed that about 80% of all dentists in the United States had computers in their practices and about 30% had access to the internet. Since 1997, the use of technology in dentistry has increased, particularly among the younger generations of dental students and dentists. In 1999, it was reported that 83% of the entering dental students indicated that they use computers and 94% used e-mail.

While the majority of dentists continue to use computers for billing and other practice management functions, electronic and digital technologies available now can provide an excellent support for clinical dentistry for both dental professionals and their patients. Among such technologies, the following are examples that can be used to expand computer use in the dental practice:

Incorporating technologies into the various stages of clinical examination, treatment planning and case presentation. This may include the use of voice activated charting, digital photography and radiographs, as well as the use of interactive DVD for patient education and motivation.
Use of e-mail to enhance and reinforce personal communications, listservs, bulletin boards and online discussion groups.
Utilizing online resources that may include one or more of the following: educational websites, general search engines, indices to dental resources, Medline, medical bibliographical data bases, E-Journals, passive decision support systems, interactive decision support system, ordering dental supplies online and organized dentistry websites. Outside the dental practice, dentists and their staff can enjoy the ever growing opportunities for online continuing education courses from the comfort of their homes.

The use of information technology to enhance dental education, clinical practice, patient care and professional development provides limitless opportunities for dental professionals and their patients. Becoming technology savvy is a time consuming task that requires determination, motivation, patience and networking with others. Gradual incorporation of technology and having adequate and reliable professional support are a must. Finally, we should all keep in mind that regardless of how advanced information technology is today or in the future, it certainly will not replace the face to face personal interactions, which is an essential ingredient for the teaching and practice of dentistry.

Bashar Bakdash, DDS, MPH, MSD
Professor and Director, Division of Periodontology,
School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.