The use of clinical photography by UK general dental practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess by means of a postal questionnaire the numbers of general dental practitioners (GDPs) who used clinical photography and for what application.


METHODS
The questionnaire was distributed to 1,000 randomly selected dentists in the UK with an explanatory letter and reply paid envelope. The data collected was computerised and analysed statistically.


RESULTS
Five hundred and sixty-two replies were received. Of the respondents, 48% used clinical photography, with 59% using a digital camera, 34% a 35 mm camera and 19% a video camera. Principal uses of clinical photography were treatment planning (84%), patient instruction/motivation (75%), medico-legal reasons (71%) and communication with the laboratory (64%).


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical photography was used by 48% of general dental practitioner respondents.
Morse
G A
GA
General Dental Practitioner, Hilltop Dental Surgery, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2QT. gregmorse@tiscali.co.uk
Haque
M S
MS
Sharland
M R
MR
Burke
F J T
FJ
D000367:Age Factors; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007754:Laboratories, Dental; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D023861:Photography, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011331:Private Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D013218:State Dentistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation