Cameras for dentists are used to get the best possible images of patients' mouths. These cameras are used to take images of problem areas to better diagnose problems. They can also be used by dentists and orthodontists to show changes after braces, veneers or other cosmetic work is applied.

Dental imaging equipment works much like regular digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. However, there are some subtle differences that apply to what zoom should be used and which accessories get the best photo. Even so, a general knowledge of photography is helpful. You can also find many dental cameras and imaging systems education and training opportunities by:

1. Attending dental digital photography seminars and events.

2. Enrolling in classes that teach how to use this technology.

3. Reading online resources and other learning materials.

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Attend training courses to learn how to use a dental intraoral camera

Dental cameras are very similar to normal digital SLRs, but you can take training courses that provide you with the skills you need to get the right lighting and zoom. These classes also teach you how to use dental accessories that provide a better shot of a particular part of the mouth.

I recommend: Carestream Health provides training and education for Kodak Dental Systems. DMD Digital Dental Photography offers many training options, including on-site training and advanced photography techniques.

Sign up for seminars hosted by organizations and dental equipment manufacturers

Since dental photography is similar to regular photography, seminars can be more cost-effective and quicker than a full course. Seminars are often held in a day or less, and can quickly teach you all the skills you need to take better dental photos.

I recommend: The Dawson Academy provides seminars for dental professionals that teach them to take digital dental pictures and video. LVI Global offers a digital dental photography seminar that teaches attendees to use a digital SLR in the dentist's office.

Explore online resources for learning to use dentistry cameras

Besides events and training courses, you can also study on your own with learning materials and online resources. These resources often go beyond the basics of using the camera and into advanced techniques. You can find many online resources for free.

I recommend: PhotoMed offers a dental video training course that teaches many skills, including how to take the best shots and how to manage images. Dr. Martin B. Goldstein provides a book of digital dental images that teaches how to spot microfractures and hidden tooth decay.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The standard equipment for dental photography is a digital SLR, but there are many other types of dental imaging systems you can use, including video and x-ray.

Dental digital photography is an important capability for any dental practice. Dental images allow you to properly illuminate and capture the mouth for before, mid and after comparison.

Dental cameras come in a wide variety of styles and prices, and finding the right product and accessories for you will depend on your level of interest and budget. To find the right dental cameras and imaging systems for you, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Determine what level of quality is acceptable in the dental imaging product you want.

2. Set a budget to purchase dental cameras—and stick to it.

3. Include accessory items, like flashes and additional lenses, in your budget as well.

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Buy high-end dental imaging systems for best results

Consider investing in a high end dental cameras and products. Canon and Nikon offer you top of the line camera products and exceptional detail. Consider these as a first choice if they fall within your budget.

I recommend: Purchase a high-level dental intraoral camera package from Lester A. Dine. Choose between a number of camera and flash options. Photomed offers Canon and Nikon dental imaging systems. Check out the dental digital photography products from Video Digital Dental.

Research a variety of cameras for dentists in a mid-level price range

There many cameras for dentists available in a wide variety of prices. Cameras are often sold with an accompanying kit that even includes a flash and extra lenses.

I recommend: Consider the KODAK P712 Dental Digital Photography System from Carestream Health. The kit comes with a 7.1 megapixel camera, as well as dental flash and a close-up lens with a ring flash light source. Buy dental photography starter kit products from Smile-Vision. Buy a ZRAD Sony CCD High Resolution Intra-Oral Dental Camera from Vavolo.com.

Purchase used dental cameras for greater budget savings

Consider buying pre-owned dental cameras if your budget is tight.

I recommend: Look a the used dental equipment, including used dental cameras, from Production Engineering - Medical Equipment Division. ImsForum2004, a used dental equipment forum, offers great savings. Independent Dental is another source for new and used dental cameras.

Buy accessory items to help improve your dental images

Supplement your dental cameras with accessories, such as software and books, additional lighting products, protective eyewear, mirrors and retractors, printers, LCD projectors, slide and film scanners, as well as cases.

I recommend: Purchase dental imaging accessories from Norman Camera. Buy a Cammy USB intraoral camera and accessories from American Dental Accessories. Consider the Sony CCD camera and accessories from International Surveillance Services as your next purchase.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take a dental imaging class to improve your dental photography skills. Plan on additional training for your staff to ensure that they properly know how to handle and use your equipment. Replacement costs are high, so ensure that everyone knows how to properly care for your equipment.

The types of dental cameras and imaging systems used in dental offices vary widely across the country and world, but all systems use some of the same basic parts. By learning the key terms associated with dental imaging systems, you'll be able to compare system options more easily.

There are specific differences in digital and analog imaging in the dental industry. There are also many other important terms with which you need to familiarize yourself in order to understand the functions of dental cameras.

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Intraoral or extraoral imaging

The intraoral digital camera is used to take photos inside the mouth of a patient, while the extraoral imaging is just the opposite. Images are taken outside the mouth of the teeth using the extraoral imaging technique. Most cameras are equipped to handle both chores, but not all intraoral cameras can be used outside the mouth.

I recommend: Learn the basics of intraoral and extraoral dental imaging at ImagingInfo.com. The explanation is for a specific brand of imaging software, but it explains the differences as they pertain to general imaging of the teeth.

Digital single-lens reflex

The digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera is the counterpart to its old 35mm predecessor. With the digital SLR you get a lot more electronic functions that would previously have been done manually.

I recommend: The Digital Dentist site defines the digital SLR camera. It also explains the best uses and advantages of using digital over manual cameras for dental imaging.

Ring flash

Ring flash is a specific flash designed to fit most dental imaging cameras so that the macro photography receives the amount of light needed for a good quality photo. Ring flashes are usually sold with dental cameras, but they may need to be purchased separately with some models.

I recommend: At Digi Slave, examples of photos taken with and without ring flash illustrate the importance of using a ring flash in close-range dental photography.

Macro

Macro is the term used to describe up-close photography of small objects, such as teeth. In dental imaging, macro photography is usually used to get very close views of teeth and the mouth. When a macro photo is taken, it is also important to get good lighting on the small area. A ring flash is usually used to get the lighting needed with dental macro photography.

I recommend: The blog at Clinical Dental Photography has a good explanation of macro photography.

Aperture priority

A dental imaging camera should have an aperture priority that allows the user to adjust the opening of the lens to let in more or less light depending on the need. In aperture priority mode, a dentist can adjust the F-stop to a lower number for a large depth of field-ensuring all teeth are in focus-or a larger number for a small depth of field keeping only a specific spot in focus.

I recommend: Dentistry Today's "The Vision of Digital Dental Photography" describes how to set up a digital camera for dental photography. The section on setting up the camera includes an explanation of aperture priority.

Bracketing

Use a camera's bracketing mode to take several photos at one time using different exposures. Bracketing can help you get the best exposed shot without taking the time to adjust and retake photos over and over again. The mode will take a set of images using different exposures and white balances, leaving you to choose the best one.

I recommend: The Photography in Dentistry information page provides a definition of bracketing as it relates to dental photography.