[The prosthodontic three-dimensional multimedia system developed for dental education and chairside communication].
OBJECTIVE
To develop a three-dimensional multimedia system for enhancing the efficiency of dental education and chairside communication.


METHODS
A set of three-dimensional digital models of normal teeth and jaws related to dental education in prosthodontics were acquired or established under Microsoft Windows. The three-dimensional models were re-edited and rendered with texture attached, producing a large number of three-dimensional pictures and short animated pictures. A software platform was established for displaying all sorts of media, including the three-dimensional models. Finally, all media files produced or gathered before were integrated into the platform, similar to the textbook in chapter adopted in dental education at university.


RESULTS
The prosthodontic three-dimensional multimedia system was successfully developed. The system covered basic information within the current textbook of prosthodontics, three-dimensional pictures, animated pictures, and virtual three-dimensional scenes. The system might serve as an assistant tool in dental education and chairside communication.


CONCLUSIONS
It is technically feasible to establish the prosthodontic three-dimensional multimedia system, according to experiences in this study. The success also anticipates the possibility and feasibility of developing similar systems in other disciplines of dentistry.
Hu
Jian
J
Department of Prosthodontics, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Liang
Xing
X
Wang
Yi-Ning
YN
Dong
Qiang
Q
Liu
Die
D
Li
Zhi-Yong
ZY
D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019212:Multimedia; D011476:Prosthodontics / Q000193:education*; D012985:Software Design