Why Most of the Dentist in Bangalore are asking to adopt Digital X-rays?

Here's a news I got from dnaindia.com. One of the dentist in Bangalore said “One such practice is that we are asking them to adopt digital X-rays. Many chemicals are used in developing traditional X-rays, and even the plastic sheets on which those X-rays are printed, are non-degradable. Digital X-rays can be transferred to a computer and later to a CD for future use. They can also be e-mailed,”

Read the complete story below:


Dentists vow to go green to keep your teeth white

Dentists in Bangalore city have vowed to go green. They have started a go-green campaign to make dental clinics eco-friendly.

“We are aiming to promote the concept of green dentistry. There are many practices in this profession that need to be changed to achieve this goal. The theme of the campaign is ‘good for you and for the earth’,” said Dr Asish Shetty, professor, Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital. He was talking on the sidelines of Rotary Marathon 2010, a workshop organised by the Bangalore Dental Association on Tuesday. The green dentist concept will touch all fields of the profession —from conserving water and electricity to avoiding use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment.

“The amount of water wasted by a person while brushing will come up to 90 glasses, approximately. We need to bring down such losses. If we replace spotlights we use in clinics with CLF bulbs we can save lots of energy. We also need to stop practices like silver filling of root canals. The chemicals used in silver filling are also damaging to the environment. We are using the technology as the alternatives are highly expensive. If we can do without such practices, it will do lots of good for humanity,” he said.

Dentists across the city are being made aware of the need to adopt eco-friendly methods as part of the campaign. “One such practice is that we are asking them to adopt digital X-rays. Many chemicals are used in developing traditional X-rays, and even the plastic sheets on which those X-rays are printed, are non-degradable. Digital X-rays can be transferred to a computer and later to a CD for future use. They can also be e-mailed,” said Swaria Rao, director, Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital.

Dentists participating in the go-green campaign will be given badges. “The concept behind the badges is that they will help promote the idea even among the patients. When they go to hospitals wearing the badges, patient will enquire about them, which will further spread our message,” said Dr Rao.

“Patients also play a vital role in such ventures. A toothbrush which can be used for four months is thrown away by people in just three weeks. Such practices should also be changed,” she added.

Published: Wednesday, Sep 15, 2010, 10:01 IST |By Arun Dev | Place: Bangalore | Agency: DNA

source: http://www.dnaindia.com

Digital X-Ray Technology - An Owner's Perspective

By Terry L. Myers, DDS, FAGD

In 2006, 735 Dental Economics® subscribers were polled about various aspects of dental practice, including their aspirations for new technology. Dentists rated radiography equipment as the highest priority in the basic equipment investment technology category. At the time, 29% of the respondents were planning to add a digital system in the next two years, and a surprising 41% responded that they had already implemented a digital radiography system.

Since that time, other surveys have echoed these statistics, with technology taking an even more important role in the dental practice. Additionally, research and development in digital radiography continues to make this a technology that counts both clinically and financially. In the past, I have been an outspoken advocate for imaging, but with so many dentists yet to adopt the digital-office lifestyle, it's worth sharing again.

While every office has its own priorities, these are the top three benefits of digital X-ray technology that have enriched life around the office for me, my staff, and my patients.

More than meets the eye » Digital X-rays are as clear and detailed as any conventional film, and the digital format offers choices. There's really not much chance for education to occur with a 1" by 1½" piece of film. However, education with digital X-rays is phenomenal. Images are the size of the computer monitor. If I want to see different perspectives, I can magnify, zoom in, change color and contrast, draw on, and point out my concerns with a mouse click until I am absolutely sure that the patient sees the situation from my viewpoint and is confident in my assessment. Innovations in digital technology just keep getting better. Images taken with the DEXIS Platinum sensor that I recently obtained combine all sorts of technology to bring out clarity in even hard-to-see details.

More time for patients » Digital X-rays are faster than film. For example, my system can capture vertical or horizontal bitewings and periapicals with a single sensor – without changing film or sensors. My assistant can take an FMX in about five minutes. When my assistants are on the move, the sensor moves with them; the direct USB connection allows quick and easy transport between treatment rooms. With digital X-rays literally at my fingertips from any office computer or even from home, I can securely pull up images and records for an informed decision. Try doing that with film.

What's best for diagnosis and patient education?


It's just more practical » With all the attributes of digital radiography, clinicians often forget the more practical side of producing X-rays – the equipment that produces the X-rays. The processor is a high-maintenance piece of equipment. Mechanical parts break down or start slipping, and then it has to be sent out for repair, so you have to get a spare or a loaner. Besides, it is not practical for assistants to spend time developing film or cleaning the processor when they could be caring for patients.

While these are my top three benefits, digital radiography also brings a sense of cohesiveness to all of the office processes. When integrated with a digital practice-management system, digital image files can be stored with treatment notes and records, appointments, and insurance information – all in one organized, uncluttered space.

While technology can touch every aspect of the office these days, keep in mind that the X-ray is the first image that patients see, and as such can establish your image as a technology-savvy dentist.

For more on this topic, go to www.dentaleconomics.com and search using the following key words: dental technology, digital imaging, X-ray, dental radiography, diagnosis, Dr. Terry L. Myers.

Dr. Terry L. Myers is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Dental Sleep Disorder Society. He has a private practice in Belton, Mo.

Source: http://www.dentaleconomics.com