ORTHODONTIC PHOTOGRAPHY HANDS_ON COURSE

Photography has always been considered an invaluable part of dentistry. With the advent of digital technology, imaging has become easier and more readily accessible. Many practitioners, however, are still reluctant to implement photography in their practices for a variety of reasons including: (1) intimidation and lack of knowledge of photographic equipment and technique; (2) interruption in work flow; and, on rare occasion, (3) cost. Numerous articles have been published that outline equipment selection and photographic technique. Because new technology is continually emerging, equipment cost is always on the decline. And with practice and a little know-how, every practitioner can implement photography into his or her practice with minimal interruption in patient workflow.

As a clinician, it is mandatory for orthodontists to learn using a camera and to master clinical photography skills for the following reasons:

• Documentation of records for medicolegal reasons

• To compare pretreatment and posttreatment results

• To document findings that may be unique and to share those findings with peers

• For obtaining data to make presentations and teaching students

• To use data in clinical practice for patient information and motivation

• Mandatory requirements of certification examinations

• What we learn today is because of the clinical photographs, we see in textbooks. These were available courtesy the efforts of those authors. The profession will be furthered, and our next generation will learn if each clinician as a torchbearer of the subject makes that the same effort.

The hallmark of great presentations or literature is often the consistency of the superior quality of the clinical photographs. Most orthodontic residency programs insist on honing photography skills. However, as a resident ventures into the world of clinical orthodontics, photography skills appear to be lost due to various reasons, namely, difficulty in carrying equipment at various centers, costs involved in purchasing equipment, lack of interest in documentation, etc. Fortunately, like any other habit, once motivated internally as a clinician, relearning those lost skills is just a matter of practice. More importantly, though DSLRs have overwhelming capabilities for orthodontic photography, one needs to learn only three controls (aperture, shutter speed, and International Standards Organization [ISO]). This article has been written to provide precise information relevant to clinical photography.

Course Outline

• Rationale for use – the scope of Clinical Photography – supporting and reinforcing treatment decisions and outcomes

• Using images to improve records, risk management professional interactions and patient education

• Where do the Intra-oral camera and the iPhone fits into
  Clinical Photography?

• Taking control of the camera to simplify and minimize adjustments.

• Camera choices – body. lens and flash

• Accessories – Retractors and mirrors

• The team – who helps in taking photos?

• Positioning and technique

• Improving patient compliance

• Data management

• Achieving quality, consistency and efficiency

Who this course is for:

• Orthodontic Residents
• Postgraduate students
• Dentist
• BDS students