Introduction

21st Century Dentistry

Rapid advances in new technologies are having a profound impact on the practice of dentistry. Computers and fax machines are commonplace in offices throughout the country, but other more sophisticated devices are being introduced to improve on traditional dental methods and procedures. Advances are emerging rapidly making it difficult for the dentist to know which ones will ultimately benefit patient care and which are of little clinical value. This is because new devices and procedures have no track record when they are first introduced. Therefore, the informed practitioner must make careful assessments of the benefits, risks, and costs associated with these advancements. The contributing authors will present a selection of 21st century advancements. They relate to important digital records and vision enhancement.

More than ever before, pen and paper are being replaced with digital bits of information. From chart notes to radiographs and photographs, digital capture and storage has become easier, more practical and more economical. Not only does information in this form provide for instant access, but it can also be readily transmitted around the corner or around the world with a simple phone call. The paper-free dental office is no longer science fiction and new advancements are beginning to make the transition more appealing than ever. Two of the authors will address how digital records will influence the practice of dentistry and how the transition to such systems can be made virtually seamless in a real-world environment.

Another area that is rapidly expanding in the dental profession is the quest for vision enhancement. Many dental professionals are adopting magnification loupes. The desire to enhance the control over magnification and lighting during dental procedures has ushered a variety of surgical microscopes into mainstream dentistry. Although these instruments were initially advocated for improving the precision of endodontic therapy procedures, they are rapidly finding their way into restorative dentistry as well. The use of surgical microscopes for routine oral diagnosis and restorative procedures provides the operator with an instrument to improve the level of precision beyond currently acceptable standards and guidelines. The authors will present some of the challenges and new concepts that will ease the transition for practitioners who desire to use a microscope in restorative dentistry procedures.

Technological advancements will continue to provide dentists with new devices and systems that claim to be better than traditional means. Using the appropriate technology to make the delivery of dental care easier, more efficient and more precise is a noble objective. Ultimately, however, it is the practitioner's understanding, skill and commitment to quality, not the technology that makes the difference.