ABSTRACT
This article reports the results of a needs assessment using the Delphi process. The purpose of this study was to determine the architecture and equipment (radiographic and computer network) for establishing and supporting an enterprise's vast digital dental radiographic program. Two panels of subject matter experts identified the needs for a digital dental radiography system; one expert panel consisted of dentists while the other panel's members were information management/information technology (IM/IT) experts. Panelists rated digital dental radiography needs using descriptive statistics and a 7-point bipolar scale. Among dentists, the four most important needs were the capability to store images, image appearance, centralized image storage, and a dedicated back-up server; among IM/IT panelists, they were ensuring HIPAA compliance, use of a standard formatting procedure, excellent print quality, and use of encryption for data transmission. This study's findings are useful for any organization seeking to initiate or improve its own digital radiography program.
Subject(s)
Needs Assessment , Radiography, Dental, Digital , Computer Communication Networks , Computer Security , Computer Systems , Delphi Technique , Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Information Storage and Retrieval , Radiographic Image Enhancement , Radiography, Dental, Digital/instrumentation , Radiology Information Systems , United StatesABSTRACT
The Army Dental Corps' three-part mission is to maintain soldiers fit for combat, promote health, and ensure the Dental Corps ability deploy and deliver in the field. Consistent with this mission, the corps is developing innovative dental delivery systems and promoting tobacco cessation, sealants, mouth guard use, cancer detection, and identification of child, elder, and other abuse. The corps' training programs include options and benefits at the dental student, postdoctoral residency, and specialty levels. Recent technology innovations include light-weight field equipment, an integrated computer database to manage treatment, rapid ordering and delivery of supplies, and distance education.
