Dental photography for children: A global survey

Abstract

BackgroundClinical photographs are now considered an essential element for accurate and objective dental records. Very little information exists on dental photography in children and the factors that can influence the dentist's decision to take dental photographs.AimThis study aimed to assess the current use, attitude and confidence of paediatric dentists using clinical dental photography of children worldwide.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study distributed online to paediatric dentists around the globe.ResultsThe survey was completed by 390 dentists. The majority of participants (82.3%, n = 321) took dental photographs of their patients, and over 74% of the participants were confident in taking dental photographs. Sixty‐nine dentists (17.7%) did not take photographs. Seventy‐four per cent (n = 240) of those who take dental photographs and 47.8% (n = 33) of those who do not take dental photographs reported an effect on the child's behaviour. The majority of participants expressed interest in receiving further training.ConclusionMost paediatric dentists take dental photographs of their patients and value their role in the behavioural management of the child patient. Paediatric dentists need further training in children's dental photography, including guidance on proper image recording, storage and transfer.