The feasibility of a three-dimensional charting interface for general dentistry.
BACKGROUND
Most current paper- and computer-based formats for patient documentation use a two-dimensional dental chart, a design that originated almost 150 years ago in the United States. No studies have investigated the inclusion of a three-dimensional (3-D) charting interface in a general dental record.


METHODS
A multidisciplinary research team with expertise in human-computer interaction, dental informatics and computer science conducted a 14-week project to develop and evaluate a proof of concept for a 3-D dental record. Through several iterations of paper- and computer-based prototypes, the project produced a high-fidelity (hi-fi) prototype that was evaluated by two dentists and two dental students.


RESULTS
The project implemented a prototypical patient record built around a 3-D model of a patient's maxillofacial structures. Novel features include automatic retrieval of images and radiographs; a flexible view of teeth, soft tissue and bone; access to historical patient data through a timeline; and the ability to focus on a single tooth.


CONCLUSIONS
Users tests demonstrated acceptance for the basic design of the prototype, but also identified several challenges in developing intuitive, easy-to-use navigation methods and hi-fi representations in a 3-D record.


CONCLUSIONS
Test participants in this project accepted the preliminary design of a 3-D dental record. Significant further research must be conducted before the concept can be applied and evaluated in clinical practice.
Schleyer
Titus K L
TK
Center for Dental Informatics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Terrace St., 331 Salk Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. titus@dental.pitt.edu
Thyvalikakath
Thankam P
TP
Malatack
Pat
P
Marotta
Michael
M
Shah
Tej A
TA
Phanichphant
Purin
P
Price
Greg
G
Hong
Jason
J
D003628:Database Management Systems; D048048:Dental Informatics / Q000379:methods; D003792:Dental Records; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012985:Software Design; D012986:Software Validation; D018511:Systems Integration; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014584:User-Computer Interface