Photography or videography? A paradigm shift in dental clinical documentation.

Clinical documentation is critical in dental practices. Its influence reaches beyond diagnosis and treatment planning to patient education and evidence-based research. Historically, this documentation has relied mainly on photographic recordings. However, in the present era of rapid technical breakthroughs, a paradigm shift has occurred from photography to videography, driven by the transition from digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to mirrorless systems, which provide improved video capabilities. This article explores the technological journey from dental photography to videography, highlighting the need for revised and standardized clinical documenting methods to accommodate this changing landscape. It also includes a complete guide to maximizing the capabilities of mirrorless cameras and green screen technologies for the creation of high-quality video content. The essential element of protecting data privacy and security in the midst of these developments is also explored, providing a comprehensive view of the paradigm shift in dental clinical documentation.

The reproducibility of electronic color measurements of the marginal gingiva.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the reproducibility of electronic color determination system evaluations of the marginal gingiva, which could be important for adhesive cervical fillings or prosthetic restorations that imitate the gingiva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 50 subjects, the L*, a*, and b* color coordinates were evaluated five times at a point in the marginal area of a central incisor using different electronic color determination systems: (SP) Shadepilot, (ES) Easyshade, (CE) Crystaleye, and (SV) X-Rite. The mean color difference (ΔE) and its standard deviation between the five measurements from each participant were calculated separately for each device. Further ICC for interdevice reliability was determined. RESULTS: The L*, a*, and b* color coordinates and ΔE values differed significantly among the systems (p < 0.001). Within each patient and measurement system, ΔE ranged from 1.4 to 3.2 (SD 1.1-2.5), L* from 2.6 to 5.7 (SD 2.6-5.7), a* from 11.9 to 21.3 (SD 3.6-3.9), and b* from 15.1 to 28.9 (SD 1.7-4.3). Interdevice reliability ranged between 0.675 and 0.807. CONCLUSIONS: Color determination of the marginal gingiva using the electronic tooth color determination systems tested herein showed limited reproducibility. The results obtained with the different measurement systems differed enormously. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results show that the electronic color measurement devices tested allow no high reproducible determination of color coordinates of the marginal gingiva.

COVID-19 decontamination procedures for photographic equipment in a secondary care setting.

This article provides an overview of how long COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) survives on the built environment, and reviews currently available resources to provide recommendations on effective decontamination of photographic equipment based within a secondary care setting.