Dentists who do esthetic or large cases all take photos at the first appointment (or have someone who does). However, dentists who want to do more esthetic or large cases often find it difficult to take the time.
Why does it matter and how do you make taking photos efficient?
It matters because it is difficult to predictably plan complex or aesthetic cases without photos. You need to see Point A so you can know how to get point B. They are crucial for smile designs and mockups.
But they are also important for patent communication. Patients may not understand why procedures need to be done a certain way until they see pictures. All humans are tremendously visual and respond better to visual aids rather than just words.
So how do I fit the photos into a busy consultation?
Here are three ways you can get it done:
- Don’t just practise on patients. Often dentists get a new camera, and then the only time they try to use it is when they are under time restraints with a patient. Practice taking photos of your dental assistant’s mouth or of other friends and family until you are confident in getting the shots you need the first time around.
- Take photos every time. By taking photos on every new patient, rather than just the ones you think are special cases, it will become an automatic routine that takes about 90 seconds. If you only take them sometimes, firstly, there will be lots of patients that you realise later on you should have taken pictures of before getting started. Second, it's always a mess if it’s not a routine. Going to find the camera. The assistant doesn't have the mirror and retractors ready. The camera stopped working. Take photos every time so it becomes second nature.
- Take photos first. If you do the full exam and x-rays and take photos last, you will be trying to upload them to the computer when the assistant wants to clean the room. By taking them before you do the full exam and x-rays, you get to look at the teeth through the lens while you take them. Plus, it allows you to get the photos uploaded to the computer at spare moments during the rest of the appointments.
With practice it should be fast and slick. However, be warned. After you start using photos to plan all major treatments, you won’t want to work without them.