Dental multimedia for patients

Dental professionals provide an extensive list of treatment for patients, and patients need to be

well-informed of these services. Providing this information is an important part of dentistry for dental

professionals, but it can also be very time-consuming. Fortunately, today there are many software

programs available to help dental professionals communicate information to patients, benefiting both

the dental team and the patient.

Communication is a very important aspect between the dental professional and patient. It provides the patient

with the reassurance that the dentist, assistant, and hygienist care about them, they are listening, and they have

knowledge about the dental topic at hand. Often, the dental professional will talk for quite some time, explaining

the necessary treatment or procedure to the patient. After a lengthy description or explanation, the patient will

ask the dental professional questions that were just covered. This is just one example of a breakdown in

communication between the dental professional and patient. Patients do not remember everything they are told,

as they may be overwhelmed with too much information given at one time. Also, words are often not enough for

effective communication of recommended dental procedures. Fortunately, with new technology available to the

dental team, educating patients is easier than ever by using animated pictures, in addition to words.

(1) Animation is very useful when explaining treatment and procedures to the patient, as it shows the patient

exactly what area of the mouth is affected and what treatment is necessary to restore the patient's oral health.

When patients understand conditions and treatments, they are more likely to accept the dental team's

recommendations. (1) Patient education software offers a new, exciting option to traditional, explanation-only

patient education. Patients who understand their diagnoses and treatment options are more likely to make sound

decisions regarding their dental health. (2) With patient education software, dental professionals can effectively

explain diagnoses and illustrate dental procedures that may be confusing or difficult for patients to understand.

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Patient education software is a three-dimensional (3-D) video display that is an interactive way to educate dental

patients on a variety of topics. The software provides 3-D viewing so the patient may see what is going on in his or

her mouth. Patient education software can raise the patient's dental IQ, improve communication, enhance

understanding, and increase patient case acceptance. These visual aids can open the door to basic understanding

and improve dialogue between the patient and dental professional. (3) The software offers full-motion video,

3-D graphics, and computer animation. It can be used to teach patients about preventive, restorative, and cosmetic

treatment options. Some featured topics are crowns, bridges, whitening, implants, veneers, tooth anatomy,

oral hygiene, periodontal disease, sealants, and many more. They have interactive components for new perspectives

on oral health improvements. In most cases, the presentations explain why treatment is needed, treatment options,

consequences of delaying treatment, what the treatment entails, and home care following treatment. (4)

There are many different patient education software systems on the market, ranging from fairly simple programs

to very complex. Researching the different systems is recommended prior to purchasing to ensure the system selected

will fit the office needs. Some systems have voice-over narration to accompany the animated video, and others simply

show the animation, allowing the dental professionals to provide their own explanation. Some programs have

customizable text and graphics, which allow you to add digital photographs and text in your own words that are

specific to each patient. Other systems allow the dental office to create CDs with presentations on them to send home

with the patient. For example, the office could customize a disk for a child coming in for a first dental visit prior to the

appointment so the child will know what to expect. This is a great way to prepare the child for his or her first visit

and to relieve any anxieties. Some systems allow simultaneous education to patients in the operatory and in the

reception area. The patient is able to hear the message multiple times, increasing the likelihood that he or she will

understand and retain the information. (4)

Another benefit of some patient education software is the ability to print customized handouts to give to the patient.

When the patient leaves the office, he or she can receive a written explanation of each procedure or topic that was

covered. For example, when a patient needing a crown leaves the office, he or she will have a written explanation of how

a crown is prepared, how many appointments are necessary, and post-operative instructions associated with it.

These handouts increase the ability of the patient to understand the recommended treatment, especially after being

introduced to the 3-D animation during the appointment. Written explanations are important for the patients to

refer to when they are at home. These explanations reinforce and remind the patients what was said and recommended,

and they also help eliminate misunderstandings. (1)

Conclusion

There are many patient education software systems available to dental professionals today.

Patient education software is an excellent way to educate dental patients regarding recommended

treatment and services offered by the dental team. It gives the patient thorough, easy-to-understand

information on many different dental topics. It keeps the patient engaged in learning through the

interactive, animated, 3-D video display. Patient education software can greatly enhance any dental practice.

References

1. Ainsworth DS. Communicating with your patients. Dental Economics 1997;87:48-50,52.

2. Coles B. Multimedia dental patient education systems. Journal of Canadian Dental Association 1996;62:247-8.

3. Little D, Graham L. New technology improves patient communication. Dental Economics 2006;96:48-54.

4. www.caesy.com. Accessed April 7, 2007.

Brigette R. Cooper, RDH, MS, is an assistant professor in the dental hygiene program

at Minnesota State University, Mankato.