I have been blessed to have now practiced dentistry for about half a century and I have been a member of the ADA for almost 50 years. Next to my family, dentistry is the love of my life.
Needless to say, I have seen massive changes in technology during that time. One of the most positive developments has been that of digital dentistry, with a huge leap forward in the field of digital prosthetics and with the continuous improvement in digital radiography.
My acquisition of CBCT radiology is a game changer. As the development of the X-ray machine and film was to dentistry before such was possible, I equate the development of CBCT with the same importance when compared to two-dimensional radiography. I personally think it should become a “standard of practice.” It is invaluable in the field of endodontics and oral surgery, especially implant surgery.
The use of digital scanning for prosthetics is equally a game changer. Sadly, the compatibility between systems, and often between midpoint and endpoint processes has not been to a level that it should be. Greater compatibility must be demanded by the dental profession of manufacturers.
With that said, we need to address some deficiencies associated with the use of CBCT.
First of all, dental insurance companies do not even allow for or allow enough for the use of the CBCT.
Secondly, I would like to see a more comprehensive educational process, expanding a general dentist’s field of expertise with the use of CBCT. An equal knowledge base should be the property of the entire profession.
And with that said, software bridges must be more manageable between all the scanning systems and systems of manufacture. More importantly, some systems have been misrepresented to the dental consumer.
We can do better.
William A. Steiner, D.D.S.
Omaha, Nebraska