Video Imaging System for Dental Practices
 “Seeing
is believing”. This phrase is the simplest way to sum
up the value of a video imaging system to your dental practice.
You can’t diagnose what you don’t see, and clients
won’t pay for what they don’t understand. High
quality photos of a pet’s teeth are the single best
way to document findings and educate clients. Given the
fact that the majority of clients do not accurately perceive
the full value of preventative or restorative dentistry
in their pets, a video imaging system is a "must have"
for the practitioner serious about increasing dental or
otologic services.
A high quality video system is easy to use, either in the
awake or anesthetized patient. By placing the system on
a mobile cart, you can have the flexibility of performing
exams in the exam room, or in the treatment area. The simplest
system consists of a telescope, camera and monitor. The
telescope is shaped like an otoscope (for use in ears as
well), and contains rod lenses and optical fibers, which
produce a bright, magnified image of extremely high resolution.
This allows both the practitioner and client to see details
that might otherwise be missed or difficult to see. The
camera attaches to the eyepiece of the telescope, and the
image is transmitted to a TV monitor for easy viewing by
any number of people. The image can also be transmitted
to a documentation device, such as a printer, video recorder,
or computer.
Every client should be sent home with a video print. Easily
generated by a tap of the foot pedal, a print serves as
a visual reminder of the services you provide, and the future
care you’ve recommended. In many cases this will dramatically
increase client compliance for treatment and rechecks, which
directly correlates with higher client satisfaction, and
profits for the practice. Following treatment, a visual
comparison of the patient’s condition "before
and after" provides an impressive reminder of the value
of your professional services. The print format may be a
simple photograph, or a more detailed report containing
multiple images, written diagnoses and home care instructions.
Prints given to clients also frequently help build the practice,
when the client shows this print to local family or friends.
They send a clear message about the quality of your practice,
and your diagnostic capability.
The applications of a high quality video system go far
beyond dental diagnostics. The most versatile telescopes
contain an integral instrument channel through which a variety
of instruments may be passed (biopsy forceps, foreign body
graspers, retrieval baskets, cytology brushes, loop snares,
electrosurgical probes, etc.). This enables the practitioner
to engage in therapeutic interventions under endoscopic
imaging as well. The detachable camera may also be connected
to a microscope ocular for video viewing and documentation
of cytologies. Finally, the most versatile systems are designed
for easy and economical expansion into other areas of endoscopic
imaging (otoscopy, rhinoscopy, GI endoscopy, cystoscopy,
arthroscopy, laparoscopy, etc.). Ideally, the telescopes
and camera should be entirely immersible in fluids for proper
disinfection.
Once the use of diagnostic video is incorporated into a
practice for routine dental and otoscopic exams, the return
on investment can be substantial. The key to success is
involvement of as many individuals as possible who take
a direct interest in the well-being of the patient:
CLIENTS — education equals compliance
STAFF — they often have more client contact
then you do
ASSOCIATES — photos preclude the need for extensive
written descriptions of lesions
REFERRING VETERINARIANS — they will be appreciative,
and increase referrals
TRAINEES — video is an excellent teaching tool
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