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.
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
Titus K L
TK
Schleyer
Thankam P
TP
Thyvalikakath
Pat
P
Malatack
Michael
M
Marotta
Tej A
TA
Shah
Purin
P
Phanichphant
Greg
G
Price
Jason
J
Hong
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