Review of "Clinical Photography" Interactive CD featuring Chirstopher Orr, Bsc BDS
By Martin B. Goldstein DMD

So you're pressed for time and are looking for a convenient way to acquaint yourself with the basics of digital photography as it relates to dentistry....If you don't mind looking "across the pond", Dr. Chris Orr, a well known British dentist, and Smile-On LTD. have compiled a rather slick "intro" package in an interactive CD format. It runs on Mac or PC. I took my tour on a Mac.

Clinical Photography (CP from here on in) is an interactive effort that begins with "Why photograph teeth", moves on to the basics of photography and takes on clinical application and image management.

The four modules are a "prompt and click on your answer" affair, progressing in linear fashion if you choose. You may also jump around from one section to another. If you complete all sections the program makes note of this and qualifies you for CE credit in the UK.

Through the jaded eyes (my own) of an experienced clinical photographer, I could still make out the value of this package, best suited for the novice just making his way into the digital photo world. I
would point out, however, that the package is accompanied by a wonderful set of photo sheets that depict the necessary images for any clinical application. They might be worth the price of admission alone. If you are ultimately seeking AACD accreditation, the complete photo set is demonstrated as
is one for orthodontists as well as the basic initial patient exam. There are six photo sets in all.

As one tours CP, he or she will encounter sharply done graphic explanations of the basic principles
of digital photography such as equipment needs, understanding exposure and focusing settings and methods for transferring your images to a PC. Of the four modules, the image management set is probably the least detailed and will require the user to obtain more info on this subject elsewhere.
One will also discover several mini movies showing Dr. Orr going through a photo set with a patient.
In this instance it's more of a "lead by example" experience as the viewer is not directly addressed in the production. Still, one can become acquainted with the process and very importantly is prompted
to recognize what might be crucial to a properly taken view. Ultimately you are quizzed by a series of snapshots to identify the correct rendition of a particular view. This makes sense as ultimately; your results are dependent upon when and at what you decide to press the shutter release of your camera.

U.S. buyers take note. You will get a strong dose of a very refined British accent provided by the
narrator complete with colloquial expressions relevant to UK dentistry. If you are a fan of the British
way of speaking, as am I, this shouldn't pose a problem as the basic information provided is the
same worldwide.

In closing, I'll tip my hat to Dr. Orr for providing a useful and cleanly presented introduction to digital clinical photography as it relates to dentistry. If you are a new user and are seeking a convenient
way to get started, Clinical Photography might just do the trick. One word of caution: Camera set up coverage is very generic in CP as might be expected since different cameras have different requirements. That said, if you have yet to purchase a system, please do so from a dealer such as Photomed who will make sure that your camera and flash have been properly configured. This will make everything fall into place.


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