title: Portable digital assistants (PDAs) in dentistry: part I.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a basic understanding of the features of a portable digital assistant (PDA) and how it may be useful for the general dental practitioner.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To outline the various types, functions and applications of a PDA and suggest its use for the dental professional now and in the future. To enable appreciation of the technology and educational evaluation carried out in the pilot study reported in Part II.
  
  
  METHODS
  Part I is a descriptive account of the use and function of the PDA in dentistry and its potential for the future.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the literature was carried out drawing on evidence from general healthcare and assessments of portable computing aids evaluated in a dentally related setting. RESULTS Choosing a PDA for use in dental practice is complex but should be based on the user's needs mapped to key features, size and cost of the device.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No ideal customisable mobile digital solution currently exists but evidence from general healthcare use suggests that there are valuable features that can aid the general dental practitioners such as personal management and point of source assistance.
authors: King's College London Dental Institute, Centre of Flexible Learning in Dentistry, Strand Bridge House, Strand, London, UK. p.a.reynolds@kcl.ac.uk
authors: P A
authors: PA
authors: Reynolds
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Harper
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Dunne
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Cox
authors: Y K
authors: YK
authors: Myint
mesh_terms: D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003813:Dentistry; D006801:Humans