Dentists can rely on Intraoral Camera images to help them check difficult angles, and access areas in the mouth. Margins could also be meticulously inspected. Near pulp exposures and vertical fractures are other circumstances where dental intra-oral camera images can help both the dentist and patient review and decide on the best treatment strategies. Tracking changes of uncertain areas is another common practice. Keeping progress photos of a patient’s treatment could serve as a reference to the dentist, dental specialists, and insurance providers, and may also be helpful in legal matters.

For the Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists must routinely use the dental intra oral camera during patient appointments to inspect teeth and tissues. Upon determining any questionable areas, the hygienist must promptly alert the dentist, and request his immediate care to the concerned area. Several dental software systems allow intra-oral camera images to be seen at various workstations; hence, the dentist could preview the area of concern before entering the hygiene operatory. The dentist must always provide physical examinations and recommendations for additional diagnostics, in addition to treatment options for all questionable images produced by the dental intra-oral camera. Discussion of treatment plans can be supported by the dental hygienist after the dentist makes his diagnosis to the patient.

Intraoral camera images can be supportive for suggested gingivitis and periodontal therapies as well. These IOC images can be referenced on monitors for patient education, emailed or printed and shared with the patient, referring medical specialist, or insurance provider. Dental hygienists can also use dental intraoral camera images resourcefully by utilizing before and after or progressive pictures to reference changes in dental health.

For the Dental Assistant

There are numerous opportune times for the dental assistant to use the intraoral camera, perhaps even more than the dentist and dental hygienist. Dental assistants could take advantage of the times when the dentist is not around to take patient photos using the dental intraoral camera. The dental assistant might need to capture working photos from the patient’s current appointment, or tour the mouth to reference and discuss the next phase of the patient’s treatment plan. Dedication to habitual usage of the intra oral camera will maximize the impact of this equipment, and provide maximum quality time with the patient, increasing their dental knowledge and treatment options.

For the Business Agent

Though images from dental intra oral cameras create understanding and awareness between the dental professional and patients, they serve more value within the business aspect of the dental practice. Insurance coordinators, dental office managers, receptionists, and treatment plan coordinators could all use these images in ways that will enhance the patient’s dental experience. Insurance coordinators should learn to attach intra-oral camera images with narratives to provide full support when submitting insurance claims. Treatment coordinators must learn how to import and show images from dental intra-oral cameras within treatment plans. All business team members must understand proper procedure for printing and sharing intraoral camera images to give everyone involved in the process a clearer picture of the case.