Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Julia Jung, Bloom Dental, Westmead, NSW
I use this DSLR camera with practically every patient. It’s great for before-and-after shots. I also use it when the patient is sitting in the chair to show them any issues with their teeth. It makes it a lot easier for them to understand what’s going on.
What’s good about it
I’ve had this camera for around six years and have found it to be very beneficial in promoting oral hygiene. When patients tell me they’re brushing every day but are seeing a lot of blood, or have excessive plaque build-up, I take a photo to explain the problem. It’s an excellent educational tool. It has definitely helped improve the oral health of some of my clients.
I also use an intraoral camera but find it has some limitations. It’s great for highlighting a small area of the mouth but the Canon gives a nice, detailed overview of a large area. The images it takes are very clear, leading to patients more readily accepting treatment.
All the images are stored in the patient file and can be sent to specialists if required. Some patients request a copy for themselves which is fine. I just email it through to them
What’s not so good
To get the most out of the camera, you need some photographic skills and knowledge. I completed a photography course that went through all the functions and settings on the camera. This made a huge improvement to the quality of my photography.
