Teleradiology.
The technology of digital imaging and image transmission is here. Notwithstanding all the advancements that have been made in teleradiology, this technology remains in its adolescence with respect to medicine--and infancy with respect to dentistry. As with any new technology, acceptance is a function of time. Individual practitioners' comfort levels with computerization, digital imaging, and long-distance communication will invariably affect the scenario. The advantages of savings in terms of cost and time, coupled with an increased demand for tertiary health care in underserved urban and rural areas, will facilitate the acceptance of teleradiology. Rapid advances of the last decades have created an electronic society only dreamed about in 1970. These changes can be expected to continue at an ever-increasing rate, and dentists must prepare themselves to be in step with these innovations.
Benson
B W
BW
Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, USA.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017046:Cost Savings; D003815:Dentists; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D019451:Information Management; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D019035:Rural Health Services; D013674:Technology, Dental; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D013685:Telecommunications; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D019037:Urban Health Services