Evaluating the precision and accuracy of digital dental models with a low-cost structured light device

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy and precision of digital models acquisition using a home-built, low-cost scanning system based on the structured light method. Methods: a plaster model (PM) was scanned using the experimental device (SL) and a dental desktop scanner (DS). The teeth dimensions of PM and SL models were measured in triplicate, with a caliper and digitally, respectively. The agreement of the measurements of each model was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the validity between the different measurement techniques was assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis. The accuracy and precision of the models were qualitatively investigated using the mesh superposition of the SL and DS models. Results: A high intraclass correlation coefficient was observed in all models (PM=0.964; SL1=0.998; SL2=0.995; SL3=0.998), and there was no statistical difference between the measurements of the SL models (p>0.05). PM and SL model measurements were found to be in good agreement, with only 3.57% of the observed differences between the same measurement being located outside 95% limits of agreement according to Bland and Altman (0.43 and -0.40 mm). In the superimpositions of SL-SL and SL-DS models, areas of discrepancy greater than 0.5 mm were observed mainly in interproximal, occlusal, and cervical sites. Conclusion: These results indicate that the home-built SL scanning system did not possess sufficient accuracy and precision for many clinical applications. However, the consistency in preserving the dental proportions suggests that the equipment can be used for planning, storage, and simple clinical purposes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a acurácia e a precisão da aquisição de modelos digitais utilizando um sistema de digitalização caseiro e de baixo custo baseado no método de luz estruturada. Material e Métodos: Para isso, um modelo de gesso (MG) foi digitalizado utilizando o dispositivo experimental (LE) e um scanner dental de mesa (SD). As dimensões dos dentes dos modelos MG e LE foram medidas em triplicata com um paquímetro e digitalmente, respectivamente. A concordância das medidas de cada modelo foi avaliada usando o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, e a validade entre as diferentes técnicas de medição foi avaliada usando a análise de Bland-Altman. A acurácia e a precisão dos modelos foram investigadas qualitativamente usando a sobreposição de malhas dos modelos LE e SD. Resultados: Um alto coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi observado em todos os modelos (MG=0,964; LE1=0,998; LE2=0,995; LE3=0,998) e não houve diferença estatística entre as medições dos modelos LE (p>0,05). As medições dos modelos MG e LE mostraram boa concordância, com apenas 3,57% das diferenças observadas entre as mesmas medições localizadas fora dos limites de concordância de 95% de acordo com a análise de Bland-Altman (0,43 e -0,40 mm). Nas sobreposições dos modelos LE-LE e LE-SD, foram observadas áreas de discrepância maiores que 0,5 mm principalmente nos sítios interproximais, oclusais e cervicais. Conclusões: Esses resultados indicam que o sistema de digitalização por luz estruturada caseiro não possui precisão e acurácia suficientes para muitas aplicações clínicas. No entanto, a consistência na preservação das proporções dentárias sugere que o equipamento pode ser usado para planejamento, armazenamento e propósitos clínicos simples.

La educación a distancia en la Enseñanza Técnica Superior de Prótesis Estomatológica: experiencias de 2 cursos

Introducción: La asignatura Introducción a la Metodología de la Investigación, para la Enseñanza Técnica Superior de Prótesis Estomatológica, de la Facultad de Estomatología de La Habana, se incorporó a la educación a distancia, durante el curso 2021-2022. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia en la ejecución de la asignatura con el uso del aula virtual de la Institución. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de tipo descriptiva, retrospectiva, acerca de las experiencias en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, durante los cursos 2021-2022 y 2022-2023. Resultados: Se cumplieron los objetivos metodológicos de la asignatura, se debatieron los temas propuestos en los foros, se aclararon las dudas utilizando las herramientas interactivas de la plataforma y la atención al alumno fue personalizada. Conclusiones: Se logró impartir por primera vez con éxito, la asignatura, se digitalizaron los objetos de aprendizaje por temas, se diseñaron actividades para la evaluación del aprendizaje, y se obtuvieron calificaciones satisfactorias.

Introduction: The subject Introduction to Research Methodology, for the Higher Technical Education of Stomatological Prosthetics, of the Faculty of Stomatology of Havana, was incorporated into distance education, during the 2021-2022 academic year. Objective: Describe the experience in the execution of the subject with the use of the Institution's virtual classroom. Material and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective research was carried out on the experiences in the teaching-learning process, during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years. Results: The methodological objectives of the subject were met, the topics proposed in the forums were debated, doubts were clarified using the platform's interactive tools, and student attention was personalized. Conclusions: The subject was successfully taught for the first time, the learning objects were digitized by topic, activities were designed for the evaluation of learning, and satisfactory grades were obtained.

Toothpaste-related interests of Google users from different countries

Abstract The Internet is a growing source of knowledge and can provide information about oral health. This ecological study aimed to characterize the interests in toothpaste among Google users from different countries. Our hypothesis was that there would be an increase in Google users' interest in information about toothpaste. This retrospective longitudinal ecological study analyzed the toothpaste-related interest of Google users from 10 countries between January 2004 and December 2020. The monthly variation in relative search volume (RSV) and the main related queries were determined using Google Trends. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting models were built to establish the predictive RSV values for toothpaste for an additional 12 months. Autocorrelation plots and the generalized additive model (GAM) were used to diagnose trends and seasonality in RSV curves. Additionally, the influence of social isolation related to the outbreak of COVID-19 was analyzed. Although not detected by autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) analyses, the heuristic analysis showed an increase in the interest in toothpaste-related information in all countries, with a stable trend observed in the 12-month forecasts, except for the increases in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Also, GAM analyses demonstrated a non-significant monthly or quarterly seasonal influence on data. In addition, social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic did not influence the online information-seeking behavior of Google Search users linked to this topic. We confirmed the hypothesis that the interest of Google Search users in information about toothpaste increased in all of the 10 assessed countries.

Exploratory Google Trends study of user concerns about oral problems / Estudio exploratorio de Google Trends de las preocupaciones de los usuarios sobre los problemas orales

Introduction: More and more people search for health information on the internet and oral health is no exception. Objective: To analyze the changes in the relative volumes of internet searches regarding the most common oral diseases and / or injuries according to the World Health Organization. Methods: Google Trends was used to provide data on the volume of searches on Google for the most common terms of comparison based on diseases and / or oral injuries according to WHO. The period of time chosen was from 2004 to 2019. Five search terms were compared in relation to dental caries, periodontopathies, dental trauma, oral cancer, oral manifestations of HIV, noma, cleft lip and palate, tooth loss, toothache. Results: The search volume measured during the 2004-2019 period, indicated that the comparative terms of higher relative search volumes were: "tooth decay" was the most searched in Jamaica, "gingivitis" in Paraguay, "broken tooth" in the United States, "mouth cancer" in the United Kingdom, "HIV symptoms" in Zimbabwe, "cancrum oris" and "cleft palate" in Ghana, no teeth in the United States, "toothache" in Trinidad and Tobago. In the comparison of the five terms of higher relative search volumes in the study, "gingivitis" was the term with the highest relative search volumes. Conclusion: The results obtained confirm the interest in oral diseases and / or injuries through the internet, the search term with the highest frequency of search was "gingivitis", followed by "cleft palate", "tooth decay", "no teeth" and for broken tooth(AU)

Introducción: Cada vez más personas buscan información sobre salud en internet y la salud oral no es una excepción. Objetivo: Analizar los cambios en los volúmenes relativos de búsqueda en internet respecto a las enfermedades y/o lesiones orales más comunes según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Métodos: Se utilizó Google Trends para proporcionar datos sobre el volumen de búsquedas en Google de los términos de comparación basados en enfermedades y/o lesiones orales más comunes según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. El periodo de tiempo elegido fue de 2004-2019. Se compararon cinco términos de búsqueda en relación a dental caries, periodontopathies, dental trauma, oral cancer, oral manifestations of HIV, noma, cleft lip and palate, tooth loss, toothache. Resultados: El volumen de búsqueda medido durante el periodo 2004-2019 señaló que los términos comparativos de mayores volúmenes relativos de búsqueda fueron: "tooth decay", el más buscado en Jamaica; "gingivitis", en Paraguay; "broken tooth" y "no teeth", en Estados Unidos; "mouth cancer", en Reino Unido; "HIV symptoms", en Zimbabue; "cancrum Oris" y "cleft palate", en Ghana; "toothache" en Trinidad y Tobago. En la comparación de los cinco términos de mayores volúmenes relativos de búsqueda en el estudio, "gingivitis" ocupó el primer puesto. Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos confirman el interés por las enfermedades y/o lesiones orales a través del internet, el término de búsqueda con mayor frecuencia de búsqueda fue "gingivitis", seguido de "cleft palate", "tooth decay", "no teeth" y por "broken tooth"(AU)

El acceso digital a la bibliografía científica / Digital access to scientific literature

Se considera la importancia del acceso digital a la bibliografía necesaria para la formación profesional y sus principales herramientas: revistas de publicación únicamente electrónica y acceso a bases de datos como BIREME, SciELO y PubMed. Se analizan los fundamentos del movimiento hacia el acceso abierto de las publicaciones de trabajos de investigación, sus motivaciones, ventajas y consecuencias positivas y negativas (AU)

The importance of digital access to the necessary scientific literature that is a must for professional training is considered. The most useful tools are on line only journals and access to databases such as BIREME, SciELO and PubMed. The trend towards the Open Access to research publications, its motivations, advantages and positive and negative consequences are analyzed (AU)

Bayesian-Based Decision Support System for Assessing the Needs for Orthodontic Treatment / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: In this study, a clinical decision support system was developed to help general practitioners assess the need for orthodontic treatment in patients with permanent dentition. METHODS: We chose a Bayesian network (BN) as the underlying model for assessing the need for orthodontic treatment. One thousand permanent dentition patient data sets chosen from a hospital record system were prepared in which one data element represented one participant with information for all variables and their stated need for orthodontic treatment. To evaluate the system, we compared the assessment results based on the judgements of two orthodontists to those recommended by the decision support system. RESULTS: In a BN decision support model, each variable is modelled as a node, and the causal relationship between two variables may be represented as a directed arc. For each node, a conditional probability table is supplied that represents the probabilities of each value of this node, given the conditions of its parents. There was a high degree of agreement between the two orthodontists (kappa value = 0.894) in their diagnoses and their judgements regarding the need for orthodontic treatment. Also, there was a high degree of agreement between the decision support system and orthodontists A (kappa value = 1.00) and B (kappa value = 0.894). CONCLUSIONS: The study was the first testing phase in which the results generated by the proposed system were compared with those suggested by expert orthodontists. The system delivered promising results; it showed a high degree of accuracy in classifying patients into groups needing and not needing orthodontic treatment.

Accuracy of intraoral and extraoral digital data acquisition for dental restorations

ABSTRACT The computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) process chain for dental restorations starts with taking an impression of the clinical situation. For this purpose, either extraoral digitization of gypsum models or intraoral digitization can be used. Despite the increasing use of dental digitizing systems, there are only few studies on their accuracy. Objective This study compared the accuracy of various intraoral and extraoral digitizing systems for dental CAD/CAM technology. Material and Methods An experimental setup for three-dimensional analysis based on 2 prepared ceramic master dies and their corresponding virtual CAD-models was used to assess the accuracy of 10 extraoral and 4 intraoral optical non-contact dental digitizing systems. Depending on the clinical procedure, 10 optical measurements of either 10 duplicate gypsum dies (extraoral digitizing) or directly of the ceramic master dies (intraoral digitizing) were made and compared with the corresponding CAD-models. Results The digitizing systems showed differences in accuracy. However, all topical systems were well within the benchmark of ±20 µm. These results apply to single tooth measurements. Conclusions Study results are limited, since only single teeth were used for comparison. The different preparations represent various angles and steep and parallel opposing tooth surfaces (incisors). For most digitizing systems, the latter are generally the most difficult to capture. Using CAD/CAM technologies, the preparation angles should not be too steep to reduce digitizing errors. Older systems might be limited to a certain height or taper of the prepared tooth, whereas newer systems (extraoral as well as intraoral digitization) do not have these limitations.

Prontuário eletrônico do paciente: mapeamento dos fluxos de trabalho / Electronic patient record: mapping workflows

OBJETIVO: mapear os fluxos de trabalho (processos) da FO-UFG relativos ao atendimento ao paciente, incluindo aspectos administrativos, atendimento clínico, ensino, pesquisa e extensão, identificando onde e quais recursos computacionais seriam introduzidos. MÉTODO: Entrevistas exploratórias/ouvidoria com informantes-chave foram realizadas. Essas informações foram registradas utilizando a notação BPMN (Bussines Process Modeling Notation). RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos 15 fluxos de trabalho, distribuídos em 4 categorias: disponibilização de vagas, agendamento, movimentação de prontuários e faturamento. Três módulos de um sistema computacional do Hospital das Clínicas-UFG foram adaptados e utilizados para otimizar a realização dos fluxos mapeados, bem como o sistema de regulação da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Goiânia-GO. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da incipiente implementação desses processos não permitir uma avaliação dos impactos, acreditamos num aprimoramento da gestão da informação, integração com SUS, melhoria da qualidade da assistência à saúde e reorientação da formação do estudante da FO-UFG, segundo as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais.

OBJECTIVE: to map the workflows (processes) of the FO-UFG relating to patient care, including administrative aspects, clinical care, teaching, research and extension, identifying where and what computer resources would be introduced. METLHOD: Exploratory interviews / ombudsman with key informants was held. These data were recordedusing BPMN (Bussines Process Modeling Notation). RESULTS: We obtained 15 workflows, distributed in four categories: availability of jobs, scheduling, handling of patient records and billing. Three modules of a computer system at the Hospital das Clinicas-UFG have been adapted and used to optimize the performance of flows mapped, and the systemof regulation of the Secretariat of Health of Goiânia-GO. CONCLUSION: Despite the incipient implementation of these processes do not allow an assessment of impacts, we believe in improvement of information management, integration with SUS, improving the quality of health care, reorientation of the educational experience of the FO-UFG, accordingto National Curriculum Guidelines.

Study and analysis of information technology in dentistry in Latin American countries / Estudio y análisis de la informática odontológica en países de Latinoamérica

Dentistry increasingly uses Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT), which has impact on teaching, research, the profession and dental care in general. However, there is alack of valid information on ICT resources and use in LatinAmerica. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, multi-center,interdisciplinary study, the aim of which was to conduct asurvey on how extensively ICT is used in Dentistry in LatinAmerican countries by enquiring into two primary components:1) use of ICT in student training and 2) use of ICT by professionalsin consulting rooms and services. Two questionnaires on ICTwere prepared: one for teachers/researchers and another for students/professionals. We received 94 answers fromteachers/researchers at universities in the region providinginformation on ICT resources for teaching (type andimplementation) and 221 answers from professionals (personaluse and use in healthcare). Data are presented as absoluterelative frequencies and analyzed quantitatively as percentages.Results: 1) Teachers highlight ICT as an instrument fordevelopment, democratization and fairness in access toknowledge for higher education. 2) ICT supports collaborativelearning and generates other innovative resources (e.g.simulators). 3) Innovations in telemedicine and experienceswith electronic clinical history were identified in Brazil,Uruguay and Colombia. These results are a basis upon whichto reach a consensus regarding a set of ICT indicators whichare comparable at regional level and serve as input to unifythe design and implementation of ICTs experiences in bothteaching and dental care in Latin America.

La Odontología utiliza en forma creciente las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) impactando en la enseñanza, la investigación, la profesión y la atenciónodontológica en general. Sin embargo, no se cuenta con información válida sobre los recursos e utilización de las TIC en latinoamérica. La investigación representó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, multicéntrico e interdisciplinario, cuyo objetivo fue realizar un relevamiento del gradode informatización en Odontología en países latinoamericanos indagando dos componentes principales en el empleo de las TIC: 1) en la formación de estudiantes y 2) por parte de losprofesionales en consultorios y servicios. Se realizaron cuestionarios a referentes TIC: uno para docentes/investigadores y otro para estudiantes /profesionales. Se recibieron 94 respuestas de docentes /investigadores de universidades de la región dando cuenta de los recursos TIC para la enseñanza (tipo e implementación) y 221 de profesionales (personal y en la asistencia clínica). Los datos recogidos fueron analizados cuantitativamente con tabulación en porcentaje y se presentan en frecuencia relativa absoluta. Resultados: 1) Los docentes enfatizan a las TIC como instrumento de desarrollo, democra tiza ción y equidad en el acceso al conocimiento en educación superior. 2) Las TIC apoyan el aprendizaje colaborativo y generan otros recursos innovadores (ej: simuladores). 3) Se identificaron innovaciones en telemedicina y experiencias con historia clínica electrónica en Brasil, Uruguay y Colombia. Los resultados constituyenuna base para consensuar un conjunto de indicadores TIC comparables a nivel regional y sirven como insumo paraunificar el diseño e implementación de las experiencias TIC tanto en enseñanza como en la asistencia odontológica enLatinoamérica.

Estudio y análisis de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC) en odontología en Rio Grande do Sul / Study and analysis of information and communication technology (TIC) in dentistry in Rio Grande do Sul

Objetivo: Analizar el uso de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC) por odontólogos que egresaron a partir de 2002 en el estado de Rio Grande do Sul Brasil. Método: Análisis estadístico descriptivo de los datos de 217 cuestionarios on line con el software SPSS y Test Chi-Cuadrado para la obtención de los porcentajes de las variables de comparación (p<0,05). Resultados: El 61,8% son graduados en facultades públicas y 55,8% tiene, al menos, una especialidad. El consultorio particular como lugar de trabajo surge en 62,2% de las respuestas; 88,9% no utilizan la historia clínica electrónica, siendo la TIC que más desean incorporar a su práctica, constando en el 53,6% de las respuestas. El 87,2% considera que la informatización ayuda en la práctica clínica reconociendo “agilidad” el 78,9%. La mayor dificultad para la incorporación fue el alto costo (67%). Conclusión: La mayoría de los participantes posee equipamientos electrónicos, pero esa práctica no se extiende al consultorio y menos aún a servicios públicos. La informatización ayuda en la práctica clínica, brindando mayor agilidad y practicidad.

Objective: To analyze the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by dentists graduated since the year 2002 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul Brazil. Method: Descriptive statistical analysis of data from 217 on-line questionnaires with SPSS software, using the Chi-square test to obtain the percentages of variables compared (p < 0.05). Results: 61.8% graduated from public colleges and 55.8% have at least one specialty. Private practice as a workplace appeared in 62.2% of responses; 88.9% do not use electronic medical records, which is the ICT they desire most to incorporate to their practice, appearing in 53.6% of responses. 87.2% believe that computerization aids clinical practice, 78.9% reporting agility. The biggest difficulty for incorporation was the high cost (67%). Conclusion: Most participants have electronic equipment, but this practice does not extend to the office and even less to public services. Computerization aids clinical practice providing more flexibility and convenience.

Percepção do magistrado brasileiro quanto às provas digitalizadas / Perception of Brazilian magistrates of legal digital evidence

Objetivo: Conhecer a percepção do Magistrado Brasileiro quanto aos meios de provas digitalizadas. Métodos: Foram encaminhados 137 e-mails para magistrados das cinco regiões do País, com a questão: ?Muito se tem comentado, com prós e contras, a utilização de radiografias digitalizadas (armazenadas em programas de computador) em detrimento da radiografia convencional (chapas, raios-X). Qual é a percepção do Magistrado quanto aos meios de prova digitalizados??. Buscou-se coletar depoimentos por escrito dos sujeitos da pesquisa que permitissem o acesso aos dados da realidade de caráter subjetivo. Utilizou-se como estratégia metodológica em pesquisa qualitativa a construção do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: Recebeu-se 105 respostas via mensagem eletrônica (e-mail) contemplando a maioria dos estados do país.Conclusão: Após a análise das respostas pôde-se concluir que os documentos digitalizados podem ser utilizados, não havendo vedação legal de seu aproveitamento, desde que, possa ser constatado, inclusive por perícia, se necessário, que são arquivos que representam com exatidão o fato, sem falsificações ou outras formas de macular a verdade.

Objective: Investigate how Brazilian magistrates perceive legal digital evidence. Methods: A total of 137 e-mails were sent emails to magistrates of the five regions of the country, with the question: ?Much has been discussed, with pros and cons, the use of digitized radiographs (stored in computer programs) rather than conventional radiography (plates, beams -X). What is the perception of the Magistrate as the evidence digitized? ?. We tried to collect written testimony of the research subjects to allow access to data from the subjective nature of reality. It was used as a methodological strategy in qualitative research the construction of the Collective Subject Discourse. Results: 105 responses was received via electronic mail (email) covering most states. Conclusion: After reviewing the responses it was concluded that the scanned documents can be used, with no legal seal its use, since that can be seen, even by expertise, if necessary, which are files that accurately represent the fact without forgery or other forms of macular truth.

Documentação digital em odontologia / Digital documentation in dentistry

A popularização da informática vem proporcionando ao cirurgião-dentista utilizar esses recursos no seu ambiente de trabalho. Desta forma, com o avanço dos sistemas de gerenciamento digital em odontologia, é permitida a transformação da documentação escrita para o meio eletrônico. Temos como objetivo apontar os aspectos legais que devem constar nos prontuários dgitais utilizados na prática clínica para o seu reconhecimento jurídico. As considerações finais dessa revisão sugeriram que é necessária uma adequação do profissional ao uso desse sistema dinâmico de informação. Não existindo mais nenhum impedimento para o profissional em usar os meios eletrônicos desde que seja feita uma autenticação realizada pela ICP-Brasil a fim de lhes conferirem a mesma fé existente nos documentos de papel.

The popularization of computer science comes providing surgeon-dentist to use these resources in its work environment. In such a way, with the advance of the systems of digital management in dentistry, is allowed the transformation of the written documentation for the electronic midia. We have as objective to point the legal aspects that must consist in the digital handbooks in the practical clinic for its legal recognition. The final considerations of this revision had suggested that an adequacy of the professional to the use of this dynamic system of information is necessary. Not existing plus no impediment for the professional in using the eletronic midia since that an authentication carried through for ICP-Brazil is made in order to confer them the same existing faith of paper documents.

Informática odontológica: uma disciplina emergente: [revisão] / Dental informatics: an emerging discipline: [review]

Este trabalho de revisão de literatura pretende demonstrar não só a importância da introdução da disciplina de Informática Odontológica no currículo das Faculdades de Odontologia mas também no cotidiano do médico-dentista ou cirurgião-dentista. Nos últimos anos houve um rápido desenvolvimento da Informática aplicada à Odontologia, sobretudo em áreas dedicadas ao exame do paciente, ao diagnóstico e ao plano de tratamento. Os sistemas CAD-CAM, as sondas periodontais computadorizadas, os aparelhos de radiologia digital, as câmaras intra-orais são exemplos da aplicação da Informática em Odontologia. É neste sentido que surge a disciplina de Informática Odontológica, uma área em constante desenvolvimento, que tem por base a aplicação de computadores e ciências de informação para melhorar a prática clínica, a pesquisa, a educação e a gestão. É importante que simultaneamente com a formação em Odontologia haja também adequada formação em Informática Odontológica. Atualmente os avanços tecnológicos e as pesquisas científicas requerem interdisciplinaridade e integração de uma grande quantidade de informação, muitas vezes proveniente de fontes díspares, havendo necessidade de compilar a informação em bases de dados. Os meios informáticos podem aumentar significativamente a velocidade de integração e correlação dessa informação, tornando o diagnóstico médico-odontológico mais rápido e a implementação da terapêutica mais eficaz.

This literature review aimed to present the importance of the discipline of Dental Informatics for the curriculum of dental schools and daily dental practice. In the last years there was a fast development of Informatics applied to Dentistry, especially in areas related to patient exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan. CAD-CAM systems, computerized periodontal probes, digital radiography, and intraoral cameras are examples of the application of Informatics in Dentistry. Dental Informatics is a discipline showing constant development and is based on the application of computers and information science to improve clinical practice, research, education, and management. Therefore, it is important that Dental Informatics is included in the dental curriculum. At present the technological advances and scientific research require interdisciplinary approach and integration of large amount of information. This information usually comes from several sources, which requires its compilation in databases. Informatics media can significantly increase the velocity of integration and correlation of necessary information to speed up the medical-dental diagnosis and improve treatment efficacy.

Functional characteristics of dental PACS influencing on user satisfaction, ease of use, and usefulness / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the functional characteristics of hardware and software in Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in dental hospitals and examined the impact of the functional characteristics on user satisfaction, ease of use, and usefulness of PACS. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on dentists at 20 dental hospitals. The dentists assessed the functional characteristics of PACS, and also evaluated the outcomes of PACS use such as user satisfaction, ease of use, and usefulness. For each outcome variable, regression analysis was performed to determine the significant functional characteristics influencing each outcome variable. RESULTS: The image quality of device and the diagnosis-supporting function served as the most important factors in user satisfaction. Experience of the PACS system was correlated with ease of use. Dentists specialized in oral maxillofacial surgery evaluated PACS very useful, and intention to participation in education in the future showed significant correlation with usefulness. The more experience of using PACS system and concern about education, the higher usefulness for the system. CONCLUSIONS: This study has significance in that it can be used as reference for constructing high-efficiency system in dental hospitals adopting the PACS system and also in companies producing the system.