Usage Of Computers In Public Health Dentistry Question And Answers

Computers In Dentistry

Question 1. Write in brief on application of computers in dentistry.
Or
Write short note on computers in dentistry.
Answer. Computer technology has invaded the medical field in a big way.

Characteristics of Computer

• Computers have the ability to process the data or information at a very high speed.
• Computers are capable of performing any programmable task.
• Accuracy of computers is very high.
• A computer is immune to human characteristic of tiring, lack of concentration and making mistake.

Read And Learn More: Public Health Dentistry Question And Answers

Uses of Computer in Dentistry

• Administrative application
• Clinical application
• Other application.

Administrative Application

• Patient appointment and recalls
• Billing
• Accounting
• Correspondence
• Dental insurance claims
• Referral information
• Missed appointments follow-up
• Document preparation.

Clinical Applications

• Patient records storage and retrieval: Computers are used to maintain patient record database which is continually updated. The information stored will give patient’s name, age, sex, weight, height, allergies, and disease, drugs prescribed and special note.
• Clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM): Several computerized devices that can fabricate ceramic inlays and onlays out of very high quality ceramic in a matter of minutes.
• Computer is used in medical research.
• Use in ultrasound scanner, computed topography CT scanner.
• Computerized cephalometris.

Other Applications

• Case presentation and conference presentation.
• Reviewing of literature.
• Environmental and family use.

Question 2. Write a short note on uses of computers in the dentistry.
Answer. Following are the uses of computers in the dentistry.

Patient Record Management

There are clinical dental computer systems in use but still limited. To cater to the need of professional practice management, some of the dental administrative softwares are available. They can be used to maintain the record of the patients, their treatment needs, treatment provided and follow-up schedule. Also, the details regarding billing, payment made, etc. can also be kept. lt saves not only the time and paper but also the manpower. lt increases the productivity of the dentist over a period of time thus providing valuable information analyzing the practice.

Computers as Diagnostic Aid

Dental Imaging Computer-aided image interpretations is used to convert a radiographic image into a figure that can be stored in the computer wherein a sensor is used to replace the film in the mouth. One of the biggest advantages of digital imaging is the ability of the operator to postprocess the image. Postprocessing of the image allows the operator to manipulate the pixel shades to correct image density and contrast as well as perform other processing functions that could result in improved diagnosis and fewer repeated examinations.

Computers in Orthodontics

Computer uses in orthodontics are not entirely new. Firstly, orthodontic practice management refers to the applications that are used for the operation and the management of dental clinics. These applications include appointment arrangement, patient charting or examination form handling, electronic patient recording. Secondly, the information can be recording using different devices such as digital camera, 3D measurement device, etc. Thirdly, diagnosis and treatment planning applications can be divided into two groups, i.e. those for cephalometric analysis and those for dental model analysis.

Computerized Periodontal Probe

It consists of a probe handpiece, a digital readout, foot switch, computer interface and computer. Actual measurement of pocket depth is made electronically and transferred automatically to computer when foot switch is pressed.

Biostatistical Data Analysis

Computers have added to the quality of research activity, providing analysis with greater ease and speed. The results are also reliable. The diagrammatic representation of data is also developed by computer. So, computer education should be given to all researchers so that they can use it for their research work.

Patient Education

It can be used to educate patients about diseases, prevention and cure by using the latest multimedia technology.

Telecommunication

Today internet is used for commerce, education, research and entertainment. Many electronic journals, electronic books, teaching databases are available on the internet nowadays. These help one to easily found the data which is useful for him/ her in their respective dental branches.

Question 3. Write a short note on utility of computer in research.
Answer. Computer has become one of the most useful research tool in modern times performing calculations at speed of light.

• Computers are ideally suited for data analysis concerning large research projects.
• Researchers are essentially concerned with huge storage of data, their faster retrieval when required and processing of data with aid of various techniques. In all these operations computers are of great help.
• Researchers in economics and other social sciences have found new electronic computers which constitute an indispensable part of research equipment.
• Computers can perform many statistical calculations easily and quickly.
• Researcher feed the data in the computer he/she gathered after loading the operating system and particular software. The result a researcher gets is within seconds depending on the quantum of work.
• Techniques involving trial and error processes are quite frequently employed in research methodology, this involves lot of calculation and work of repetitive nature. Computer is best suited for these techniques reducing the problems of researchers on one hand and producing final result rapidly on other.
• Storage facility which the computers give is of immense help to a researcher for he can make use of stored data whenever he required to do so. Thus computers do facilitate the research work.