"Smile! You're on Intraoral Camera: A Close-Up on Dental Diagnostics"
Do you have an intraoral camera in your office by chance? I’m not going to lie, when we are introduced to new technology or new things to do, it’s so easy to push back. We hygienists have so much on our plate and our appointments are very full already. However, if you are going to introduce something new, an intraoral camera is an amazing instrument in your armamentarium.
The difference between explaining and educating with words versus a patient actually seeing something with their eyes is astounding. I have seen this in my practice where I’ve been trying to explain calculus, a cracked tooth or a broken filling, and the patient isn’t interested, which I totally understand because the mouth is a weird place that we really don’t think about if we’re outside of the Dental field until we’re in pain. However, when I show them a photo of that tooth it automatically clicks the importance of the treatment.
Intraoral photos are key for recordkeeping. Whenever there is a lesion or inflamed gingiva, it’s so nice to have a photo because then there’s no questioning what you saw six weeks ago, a month ago, a year ago with your patient. We can definitely describe things and use our great descriptive words which I still recommend doing, but having a record of a photo is so much easier to understand and comprehend. It’s also so great if you have multiple practitioners or hygienists in your office because then when they look at the notes and read your descriptions, you can easily see what they were talking about in the photo. I personally have loved having a photo on hand that another hygienist took of an area that they were watching or concerned about.
So, when you start taking photos in your operatory, there is a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to the camera. We have really loved using the MouthWatch Intraoral Camera to take photos because it’s straightforward and easy to use. A few of the highlights of it are:
1. It’s guaranteed to integrate with all software. You simply plug it into a USB port on your computer and follow the easy step-by-step instructions on MouthWatch’s website for integrating it into your software. You're also backed for life by MouthWatch’s responsive U.S.-based support team should you need any help.
2. It’s easy to use. After you initially integrate it with your software, it'll automatically connect, and you can begin taking photos with just one press of the capture button. eliminating the headache of setting multiple things up which saves so much time.
3. The cost is amazing at just $299 per camera, especially if you’re just getting into photos and curious on how photos can change the way you work.
4. "And number four, you get a free 1-year warranty and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can try the camera risk-free!"
Check out our latest video that shows multiple tips and tricks to make your oral photography easier and better HERE
Thank you to MouthWatch for supporting us at Hygiene Edge and for supporting dental professionals in general. We love this brand and have loved working with them and using their products. They understand the importance of photography, telehealth in dentistry, and expanding access to dental care. To learn more about them, visit: WEBSITE. www.mouthwatch.com/. #sponsored #dentalcare #hygienist #mouthwatch #intraoralphotos
How often are you utilizing photos in your office?
XOXO Melia lewis, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA