Craniofacial imaging informatics and technology development.
OBJECTIVE
'Craniofacial imaging informatics' refers to image and related scientific data from the dentomaxillofacial complex, and application of 'informatics techniques' (derived from disciplines such as applied mathematics, computer science and statistics) to understand and organize the information associated with the data.


METHODS
Major trends in information technology determine the progress made in craniofacial imaging and informatics. These trends include industry consolidation, disruptive technologies, Moore's law, electronic atlases and on-line databases. Each of these trends is explained and documented, relative to their influence on craniofacial imaging.


RESULTS
Craniofacial imaging is influenced by major trends that affect all medical imaging and related informatics applications. The introduction of cone beam craniofacial computed tomography scanners is an example of a disruptive technology entering the field. An important opportunity lies in the integration of biologic knowledge repositories with craniofacial images.


CONCLUSIONS
The progress of craniofacial imaging will continue subject to limitations imposed by the underlying technologies, especially imaging informatics. Disruptive technologies will play a major role in the evolution of this field.
Vannier
M W
MW
Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. michael-vannier@uiowa.edu
D019992:Databases as Topic; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019451:Information Management; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000639:trends; D009862:Online Systems; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology*