Clinical Digital Dental Photography

Over the past decade the availability of digital photography, digital imaging systems and computer driven digital presentation programs has revolutionised teaching and lecturing. Before the arrival of digital photography it was expensive to purchase dedicated 35mm dental photographic equipment and accessories and it would be more likely to be bought by the dentist who is an amateur photographer3. Since the development of digital cameras the costs have been brought down quite considerably. This has made it more accessible for most dentists to use in their normal everyday practice. The main advantages of digital versus film photography are instant image acquisition, reduced cost of film processing and a relatively easy learning curve. It is very difficult to out race technology as it is evolving daily at a rapid rate and you will always be behind. So don’t plan on using your current digital equipment for the rest of your life it is always outdated within a couple of years. Over time as our own skills and knowledge improve with digital photography we will want to improve on our old images therefore as a pursuit of excellence reinvesting in technology is a part of the challenge.