Dental Photography

Linda Kihs, CDA, EFDA, OMSA, MADAA; Debra Engelhardt-Nash

Continuing Education Units: 2 hours

Online Course: www.dentalcare.com/en-US/dental-education/continuing-education/ce436/ce436.aspx

Disclaimer: Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or
procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.

Thousands of dental offices are now using dental photography to build patients’ trust through visual
communication. Since the largest percent of learning takes place visually, photographs should be part of
any comprehensive treatment plan and can be used in diagnosis, education and motivation for the patient,
case presentation, laboratory communication, insurance submissions, public relations and marketing.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

• The authors report no conflicts of interest associated with this work.

ADAA
This course is part of the home-study library of the American Dental Assistants Association. To learn more
about the ADAA and to receive a FREE e-membership visit: www.dentalassistant.org

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ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying
quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses
or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the

provider or to ADA CERP at: http://www.ada.org/cerp

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 Approved PACE Program Provider
The Procter & Gamble Company is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider
by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing education programs of this
program provider are accepted by AGD for Fellowship, Mastership, and Membership
Maintenance Credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board
of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from 8/1/2013 to
7/31/2017. Provider ID# 211886

Overview
The adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words” refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed
with just a single still image. This phrase emerged in the USA in the early part of the 20th century.
Its introduction is widely attributed to Frederick R. Barnard who published a piece commending the
effectiveness of graphics in advertising with the title “One Look is Worth a Thousand Words” in Printer’s Ink,
December 1921.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
• Ascertain the different ways dental photography can enhance a practice.
• Explain the difference between extra and intraoral cameras.
• Understand how various specialties as well as general dentistry can utilize photography.
• Be familiar with the parameters in obtaining good images.
• Understand the step by step technique on exposing photographs.
• Understand the importance of antemortem and postmortem photographs and how they play a part in
forensic odontology.
• Discuss and explain the five basic shots of extraoral photographs.
• Be familiar with different means of camera disposal.

Course Contents Images of Restorations

• Glossary • Conclusion
• Welcome to the World of Dental Photography • Course Test Preview
• Types of Cameras - Digital, Intraoral, or • References
Maybe Both • About the Authors
Who Can Use Them and for What Reasons
• Mastering the Task Glossary
• Manual or Automatic ante-mortem – Preceding death.
• Fees and Coding
• Instructions on Use aperture – Hole or opening through which light
• Sources of Errors travels.
• Tips for Taking Proper Photographs
• Forensic Odontology canted – Angular deviation from a vertical or
• Infection Control horizontal plane.
• Recycling
• Photographic Documentation CDT – Current Dental Terminology; published by
Portrait (Full Face) the American Dental Association (ADA) to achieve
Front Smile View accuracy and consistent reporting of dental
Right and Left Full Smile Views treatment for the efficient processing of dental
Maxillary and Mandibular Teeth Views claims.
Maxillary Anterior View
Maxillary Anterior Right and Left Views contraster – Contrasting medium; a black
Maxillary Arch View material in an occlusal form or shield to create a
Mandibular Arch View “blacked-out” background.

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extra-oral camera – Photographs taken from
outside of the mouth.
f-stop – Scale of numbers referring to the amount
of light let in through the aperture.
interpupillary line – The plane created from the
center of the pupils of the two eyes.
intraoral camera – Small camera with a
built-in light source, about the size of a pen,
used to zoom in to view areas up to 25 times
magnification inside the mouth.
jpeg – A format for compressing images.
lens – A transparent optical device used to
converge or diverge transmitted light and to form
images.
megapixel – One million pixels.
philtrum – The median groove on the outside of
the upper lip.
postmortem – After death.
RAW image file – Contains minimally processed
data from the image sensor of either a digital
camera, image scanner, or motion picture film
scanner.
red eye effect – Occurs when using a
photographic flash very close to the camera lens
(as with most compact cameras), in ambient low
light.
USB – Universal Serial Bus; an industry standard
developed in the mid-1990’s that defines the
cables, connectors and communications protocols
used. in a bus for connection, communication and
power supply between computers and electronic
devices.
zoom – Allows magnification.
Welcome to the World of Dental
Photography
Photography, both intraoral and extra-oral, is an
important part of the patient’s clinical record. The
extent to which the dentist uses photography
depends on their personal interest. Dental
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photography is frequently overlooked, yet it is
an important part of patient care and treatment
acceptance. Photographs should be part of
any comprehensive treatment plan and can be
used in diagnosis, education and motivation
for the patient, case presentation, laboratory
communication, insurance submissions, public
relations and marketing. A picture can often get a
message across much better than the best verbal
description.
Types of Cameras - Digital, Intraoral, or
Maybe Both
Before making a purchase, the clinician must
decide on what purpose the camera will serve.
• What clinical treatment or business process do
you want to enhance through the use of the
images you create?
• Do you plan to implement new procedures?
• How will you use the images in your practice?
• What auxiliaries will be involved?
• What is your budget for this piece of equipment
as well as the installation and support of the
hardware?
• What are your colleagues using and what are
their results?
With planning and training, an intraoral camera,
extra-oral camera or a combination of both, can
add an exciting new facet to your practice. It
will enhance diagnostic and treatment planning
capabilities and dramatically improve patient
communication. Especially with intraoral cameras
the added magnification of the area can greatly
improve diagnostic capabilities.
Who Can Use Them and for What Reasons
Depending on which camera(s) you select, the
team needs to work out the step-by-step process
of how images will be collected, when, and what
new responsibilities will be assigned and what they
will entail, if any old images can be eliminated,
and how the images are to be used. Gathering
of photographic data can be time consuming, yet
very worthwhile. Perhaps an additional 20-30
minutes would be beneficial to your new patient
exam schedule. The amount of this additional
time will depend on the skill and accuracy of the
auxiliary. Once this oral evaluation has been
completed, consider reserving some additional
time for the case presentation. The stored images
 Table 1. Who Can Use Them and for What Reasons

• Shows what is present now. Stains and/or caries.

• Shows what needs to be done to restore their mouth to total
health.
• Shows new areas of concern since last appointment.
• Shows any treatment diagnosed but not completed.
General • Shows areas needing home care attention.
• Shows areas that may need advanced treatment such as crowns,
implants, etc.
• Illustrates cosmetic possibilities.
• Shows early indications of oral cancer, kidney disease, bulimia or
other disease that presents itself in the oral cavity.
• Simple, dependable and safe on children.
• Detection of cavities before a filling is needed when a prescription
Pediatric Dentistry fluoride or other minimally invasive technique is possible.
• Smaller conservative fillings to preserve tooth structure.
• Some restorations can be completed without anesthetic.
• Easy monitoring of old fillings to determine the best time to
replace them.
• Before photos show a baseline.
Orthodontics • Photos taken during the process show the changes,
advancement, and progress.
• After photographs demonstrate the final result. These are an
effective tool and can be used in marketing with permission.
• Use of photographs to differentiate between healthy and
unhealthy gingival tissue. Swelling, infection or recession.
Periodontics
• A visual image to show shape, color and texture in high detail
with magnification.
Can demonstrate the need and process of constructing:
1. crown work
2. bridge work
Prosthodontics 3. denture work
4. dental implant
5. cosmetic dentistry
6. or other necessary prosthetic dental treatment.

will need to be pulled up and discussed with the
patient. As a result, the treatment planning and
case presentation will be more comprehensive.
Mastering the Task
Digital cameras range in price and dependability
from inexpensive, disposable cameras with
sensors capturing less than one megapixel (mp)
of data to large-format professional cameras
costing thousands of dollars and offering sensors
capturing over 100 mp of data. Find the digital
camera that combines convenience and flexibility
at a modest cost.
Using the right lens will allow you to capture fine
detail at close working distances. Digital cameras
use a variety of lenses, rated by their focal length as
measured in millimeters. For dental photography,
the best lens is a medium focal length (50-100mm)
lens that can focus on objects at a close distance. If
your plan is to use your photographs as a marketing
tool, make sure you inform the patient and obtain
their written consent if you will be using images
showing your patient’s face.
Photographing in the tight confines of the oral
cavity requires a special type of light source. A

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ring flash can provide the needed light because
it encircles the end of the lens. All camera
manufacturers produce ring flash units that work
with their cameras and lenses. To improve
portrait photography, an additional flash called a
“Point Light” was added to the Ring Flash system,
allowing the user to choose between two distinct
flashes depending upon the subject, ring for intra-
orals, and point for facials. The ring light is easy
to use and provides shadow less illumination for
deep cavity views.
It can be difficult for your patient to hold their
head still while being photographed. To minimize
blurring, it is important to use a fast shutter
speed. The shutter speed also controls the
brightness of the image. The shutter consists of
two doors inside the body of the camera. The
faster the door opens and closes, the less light
comes in and the darker the image will appear.
The longer the door stays open the lighter the
image will be.
Set the lens’ aperture to a value that will
maximize depth of field in your photograph. To
capture the intraoral structures in clear focus,
use a small, or stopped down aperture. Good
results can usually be obtained between f/5.6
and f/8. The aperture is the size of the opening
at the front of the lens. This size is referred to as
an F-Stop. The F-Stop must be set before taking
the pictures. A higher F-Stop setting will result in
a smaller aperture opening that will restrict light
from entering and hitting the computer chip in
the camera. The smaller the number the larger
the opening is so the brighter the image will
be. Always use the highest F-Stop possible to
capture the greatest depth of field.
Besides the aperture and the shutter speed, the
computer chip in the camera is the third aspect
of a digital camera that controls light. The chip
is located in the back of the camera. It reads the
light reflected off the patient after the light has
already passed through the aperture and shutter.
The chip can be reduced to allow more or less
light through the camera.
A decision must be made to record the
photographs using the “ RAW” or “ jpeg” format.
“RAW” images contain much more data and
detail than “jpeg” images. If recording with both,
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however, you can file the original image forever
with the maximum possible data captured by
the RAW file, while using the jpeg format for
insurance attachments which are easier for staff
to use. Many practice management software
programs cannot handle RAW files. Much
larger memory cards are required if taking many
pictures. RAW files do take longer to download
and you need a lot more hard drive (HD) memory
to store a large number of RAW files.
Manual or Automatic
If using the manual method, both the camera and
the lens are set to manual mode, not automatic.
Manual is usually recommended over automatic
because you can get a much clearer picture. If
you are on automatic, every time you press the
trigger half way down, regardless of how close
or far you are from the patient, it will focus there
and every single one of your pictures will be of
a differently sized area. If everything is set to
manual, you can control exactly how much of the
patient’s smile, arch, etc you want to include and
they will be consistent.
Fees and Coding
Consider an appropriate fee when billing for
diagnostic photography. Some fee databases
relate that oral/facial images could have the
same relative value as four bitewing radiographic
images. A critical component to a well-balanced
fee schedule is to consult the dental association
in your area as well as the CDT. Some third-party
benefit plans rarely provide reimbursement for
diagnostic photographs unless they confirm that
which can’t be seen in the traditional radiographic
image. When diagnostic photographs are
submitted for reimbursement, a short and simple
narrative should support your findings. An
example of such a narrative might be:
“The enclosed radiographic image fails to
show the ____________.”
“The enclosed photograph shows the
____________ that is not seen in the
radiographic image.”
Instructions on Use
1. Make sure all barriers are in place. The
intraoral wand is faced to the white side of the
packet sleeve; then the outer layer is removed.
2. Prepare your tray set-up with 2x2’s, mirrors,
retractors, contrasting medium, moisture
control, isolation materials, lip lubricant agent,
and other equipment of choice.
3. Prepare the computer log-in according to what
computer system you are using.
4. Explain to the patient that your practice uses
a camera to assist in demonstrating their
possible need and that one of the primary
uses is for patient education. Always obtain
a consent form, giving their permission for
photographs to be taken. They need to be
assured that the photographs will be stored on
a computer file along with an explanation as to
why pictures are taken and that they can take
a copy of their pictures at the completion of
their appointment.
5. Prepare the body parts of the camera: lens
(macro allows close-ups), and the ring flash.
6. Turn the camera on and make adjustments
following manufacturer’s instructions.
Recommendations are: Flash setting 1/200
of a second, F-Stop to F-22, manual setting
as this allows you to make changes, manual
lens focus (auto focus is not normally used in
dentistry). Use a macro 1 for a very close up
and/or a 1-3 for normal use. Be sure the flash
has been turned on.
7. Position the patient and dry the area with 2x2
gauze and place cheek retractors. Cheek
retractors are available in either metal or
plastic, single or double ended. The patient
can hold the retractors; however, a gloved
assistant could possibly be more consistent
when moving from right to left.
8. Extra-oral photographs consist of 5 basic
shots: Teeth in occlusion or front on, maxillary
occlusal using a mirror, mandibular using a
mirror, a right lateral view and a left lateral
view. For the frontal view, use a 1-3 focus
with the midline of the patient at the middle
of the screen. (Pictures can be cropped on
the computer.) Side views use the canine
and 1st pre-molar as your guide. For the
maxillary arch, position the mirror as far back
as possible and focus on the mirror with an
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F-18 Stop. Ask the patient to breathe through
their nose to keep the mirror from fogging. A
mirror will also be used for the mandibular arch
positioning it again as far posterior as possible.
Sources of Errors
There are a number of errors that can occur but
they can usually be divided between two groups.
The first group includes errors that arise due to
inappropriate choice or use of equipment including
the camera, lens, flash, retractors, mirrors, suction,
or a lack of understanding. The second group
of errors relates to any recording medium and
involves inappropriate positioning of the subject.
These errors need to be minimized to achieve the
highest possible quality of photographic records.
Tips for Taking Proper Photographs
• Standardize the photographs by taking them at
the same distance from the subject every time.
That way they will be easier to compare before
and after shots.
• Proper position of the camera avoids the errors
associated with canting and taking the shots
at angles that are too high or too low from the
front.
• Reposition the head of the patient slightly
instead of leaning over him or her.
• Patient should stand against a neutral colored
non-distracting background for head shots
for a better looking picture. Do not place the
patient too close, preferably 6-8 inches from the
background as this may create shadows.
• Try to take the occlusal views looking down the
incisal edges of the anteriors.
• Use the interpupillary line and the vertical
midline to orient the camera.
• Remove anything that would make the picture
look bad, such as excess saliva, blood, food,
lipstick on teeth, excess cement, etc.
• Mirrors can be placed in warm water to prevent
fogging during use.
Forensic Odontology
Although forensic odontology is not a recognized
dental specialty, it does require some extra
training and expertise. It is the art and science
of dentistry that relates to civil and criminal law.
Proper handling, examination and evaluation of
dental evidence is then presented to legal entities
in the interest of justice. Forensic dentistry can
be utilized in the identification of human remains,
craniofacial trauma, malpractice, mass disasters,
bite and tooth mark analysis, case management,
child abuse and battered adult recognition.
No two individuals, including identical twins, have
exactly the same dentition. Identification requires
providing a proof of identity and there is no room
for error. This is done using dental records
including radiographic images, intraoral and extra-
oral ante-mortem and postmortem photographs
and DNA.
Infection Control
All photographic equipment in the set up
must be sterilized or disinfected according to
manufacturer’s instructions. Infection control
practices to prevent cross contamination
must be utilized whenever possible. The
dental professional must be mindful of what is
touched, including the camera(s) and computer
accessories.
All equipment needs to be sterilized separately
to avoid scratching. To prevent water stains from
the steam autoclave or Statim, wrap mirrors in a
paper towel before bagging.
Photographic Documentation
Each photograph is expected to have certain teeth
or facial features showing. The following sections
lead the dental professional through the steps in
obtaining diagnostic photographs for the patient
record.
Portrait (Full Face)
Camera set on AV (aperture priority, NOT the Auto
mode).
Do not turn camera for vertical orientation. For
portraits, set F-Stop at 5.6.
Turn the small wheel that is in front of the camera
on the upper right side.
Turn on the flash and be certain the output value is
zero or above.
Set the camera on Auto Focus. The auto focus is
located on the side of the camera lens.

Sanitary sheaths and plastic barriers are used to

cover equipment that cannot be sterilized in an
autoclave. After becoming contaminated, they
must be disposed of according to state OSHA
standards.

Recycling
When retiring or selling your practice, and there
is clearly no need for dental cameras any longer,
consider recycling them versus just tossing them
away.

• Call the Public Works in your area and ask

a representative if there are any special
instructions in recycling used dental
equipment.
• Take the camera to your nearest recycling
center. Some centers pay for recyclables.
• Donate it to a local charity. Non-profit
volunteers that provide dental work to poverty-
stricken communities around the world.
• Recycle through another dental office. A new
dentist or practice in town.
• Donate to a local teaching institute or free Figure 1. Cannon 50D Camera
dental clinic.

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Figure 2. Taking a Full Face View
Figure 4. Taking Portrait View
Press the shutter button half way and wait for the
sound that indicates the camera is focused.
To avoid “red eye” the flash ring may be detached
from the lens and held above the camera.
Patient face should be framed with the chin near
the lower border. The head should be in full view.
Using 1:10 or 1:15 magnification, only the patient’s
head will be in view.
The patient should present a natural, relaxed smile.
Center the patient nose. The interpupillary line
and vertical midline of the face should be shewed
to orient the camera. The lips and teeth are less
reliable for alignment.
Use a solid background to avoid visual distraction.
To avoid any back shadow in the photos, have
the patient positioned slightly forward of any
background.
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Figure 3. Full Face View
Stand directly in front of patient for straight on view.
Front Smile View
Turn off auto focus mode and set the camera at
F-Stop 32 or highest value on camera.
Set the flash output value at zero. Manually zoom
in or out by turning the lens ring.
Hold the shutter button half way, look through view
finder and adjust the distance between camera and
patient by moving in and out until you hear indicator
sound that your picture is in focus.
Show a full natural smile. Face should be relaxed.
The vertical center of the slide should be the
philtrum of the upper lip. Avoid compensating for
midline discrepancies.
Confirm that the incisal plane of the maxillary teeth
is the horizontal middle of the photo. If patient
Figure 5. Taking Front Smile View Figure 6. Front Smile View

Figure 7. Taking a Right Smile View Figure 8. Taking a Left Smile View

Figure 9. Left Smile View

presents a canted incisal plane, duplicate position patient’s lips should appear in the frame. Teeth
in this view. Camera should not be tilted to normally viewed in full natural smile should appear
compensate for canted midline. in image. Mandibular teeth may not appear.

Stand directly in front of patient for straight on Right and Left Full Smile Views
view. The camera should be 90 degrees to Use 1:2 magnification. Show a full natural smile
the patient’s face. With 1:2 magnification, the with relaxed facial muscles.

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Figure 10. Cheek Retractors

Figure 11. Placing Cheek Retractors

Figure 12. Maxillary and Mandibular Teeth View

The vertical midline of the image should be the

lateral incisor. The horizontal midline is the
incisal plane, perpendicular to the vertical midline.
A 1:2-1:3 magnification should show both arches
completely and in focus.

Focus camera on lateral incisor. Proper depth of
field will allow other visible teeth to be in focus.
Natural asymmetry should be produced.
Maxillary and Mandibular Teeth Views
The maxillary and mandibular teeth should be
slightly parted so incisal edges are visible. This
view provides evaluation of incisal embrasures
and incisal plane.
Retractors should be placed symmetrically for
straight image. Display as much gingiva as
possible. Retractors should be pulled away from
the teeth before taking image. Lips and retractors
views should be minimized as much as possible.
Tongue should be resting away from teeth.
Figure 13. Contrasting Background
Midline of face should be used as vertical midline
of image. If patient’s teeth are canted, image
should be reproduced consistent with full face
image.
Camera should be positioned directly in front and
90 degrees to the patient. Focus on central and
lateral incisors. Proper depth of field with high
F-Stop will allow other visible teeth to be focused.
Maxillary Anterior View
Center the maxillary anterior teeth using the
frenum and midline as references. The lips
should not be visible.

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Figure 14. Maxillary Anterior View
Figure 16. Maxillary Anterior Right View
No retractors should be visible. The gingiva
adjacent to the teeth should be visible. The
opposing teeth should not be visible.
A contrasting or background device may be used
to block out images of mouth and tongue.
Image should be captured at 90 degrees to the
patient and directly in front.
In a 1:1-1:5 view of maxillary four to six teeth
should be captured.
Maxillary Anterior Right and Left Views
The lateral incisor should be centered in this
image to bisect the image vertically.
Retractors should not be visible. The gingiva
should be clearly visible in the frame. The
opposing teeth should not be visible.
A contrasting or background device may be used
to block out images of mouth and tongue.
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Figure 15. Maxillary Anterior Left View
Figure 17. Using Contrast Paper
Image should be captured at 90 degrees to the
patient and directly in front.
Retractors should be pulled away from the teeth.
In a 1:1-1:5 view of maxillary four to six teeth
should be captured.
Maxillary Arch View
Retractors are required to capture images of the
maxillary arch. A high quality mirror should be
used to capture reflected image.
The facial surfaces of the central incisors should
be visible near the edge of the image.
Lips and mirror edges views should not be visible.
The nose and mandibular teeth should not appear
in image.
To eliminate fog on the mirror, a stream of air will
warm the mirror during image capture process.
Figure 18. Occlusal Mirror
Figure 20. Maxillary Arch View
Capture the image at approximately 45 degree
angle to the mirror surface. The placement of
mirror should allow for the facial and lingual
surfaces to be seen at the same time.
Show as many teeth as possible. The central
incisors to the mesial of the second molars
should be visible. The anterior teeth must be
clearly shown. Maxillary teeth and facial and
lingual embrasures should be visible.
Image may be captured from in front of the
patient, with patient partially inclined or directly
behind the patient with patient fully reclined.
Focus on the reflected image of the premolars.
Begin with a 1:2-1:3 magnification and adjust the
magnification as needed to frame the maxillary
arch.
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Figure 19. Taking Maxillary Arch View
Mandibular Arch View
Retractors are required to capture image of the
mandibular arch. A high quality mirror should be
used to capture reflected image.
The facial surfaces of the central incisors should be
visible near the edge of the image. Lips and mirror
edges views should not be visible. The nose and
maxillary teeth should not appear in image.
To eliminate fog on the mirror, a stream of air will
warm the mirror during image capture process.
Capture the image at approximately 45 degree
angle to the mirror surface. The placement of mirror
should allow for the facial and lingual surfaces to be
seen at the same time.
Show as many teeth as possible. The central
incisors to the mesial of the second molars should
Figure 21. Taking Mandibular Arch View
be visible. The anterior teeth must be clearly
shown. Mandibular teeth and facial and lingual
embrasures should be visible.
Image may be captured from in front of the
patient. The patient’s tongue should be
positioned in the posterior position and may be
retracted with the occlusal mirror.
Focus on the reflected image of the premolars.
Begin with a 1:2-1:3 magnification and adjust the
magnification as needed to frame the mandibular
arch.
Images of Restorations
To capture images of restorations prior to
placement, place restorations on a black
background or mirror. The same F-Stop may
be used and adjust the flash output to -2. A
photography box may also be used to acquire a
black background effect with two external lights.
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Figure 22. Mandibular Arch View
The same effect may be captured by shooting at
F-Stop 32 and providing 8 feet clearance between
restorations being photographed and wall.
Tip: The more light you have on the subject, the
easier and faster it will be for your camera to focus.
Conclusion
Dental photographs are very useful when
educating the dental patient on oral conditions.
Patient fees can be covered by certain insurance
plans when coded properly and reasons given
to support the need for comprehensive dental
treatment. Before making a choice on an office
camera, the staff should understand how it will be
used and the training necessary to use it. Each
patient position must capture the correct position
and angle of the teeth in the correct lighting. With
the ability to capture and store digital photographs
becoming more accessible for the dental practice,
it is important that the dental auxiliary understand
proper photographing techniques.
Course Test Preview
To receive Continuing Education credit for this course, you must complete the online test. Please go to:
www.dentalcare.com/en-US/dental-education/continuing-education/ce436/ce436-test.aspx

1. The phase “A picture is worth a thousand words” emerged in the U.S. in the early part of the
______ century.
a. 18th
b. 19th
c. 20th
d. 21st

2. A “megapixel” equals ________ million pixels.

a. one
b. two
c. three
d. four

3. USB _______________.
a. stands for “Universal Serial Bus”
b. is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990’s
c. defines the port or “plug-in device” used in today’s computers
d. All of the above.

4. To minimize blurring, if there is patient movement while photographing, use a ____________.

a. slow shutter speed
b. fast shutter speed
c. shutter speed is not important
d. different lens

5. The brightness of an image is controlled by the _______________.

a. shutter speed
b. lens aperture
c. camera computer chip
d. All of the above.

6. Due to the extended length of downloading files and the need for additional HD memory,
most dental photographs are recorded using ____________ format.
a. RAW
b. jpeg
c. transitional
d. automatic

7. Extraoral photographs consist of ______ basic shots.

a. 5
b. 3
c. 2
d. 1

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8. To create an excellent photograph, position the patient _______________.
a. against a neutral background
b. as close as possible to the background
c. not too close to the background
d. A and C

9. Dark material to create a “blacked-out” background is called a _______________.

a. diffusor
b. retractor
c. contraster
d. None of the above.

10. Intraoral cameras can zoom up to ______ times magnification.

a. 10
b. 15
c. 25
d. 30

11. Postmortem photography can be utilized in _______________.

a. craniofacial trauma, mass disasters, bite and tooth marks
b. malpractice, child abuse and recognition of human remains
c. A and B
d. Photography is not used in postmortem cases.

12. Disposing of a used camera involves _______________.

a. donating to a teaching institute or free dental clinic
b. placement at the curb side in hopes someone will take it
c. letting neighborhood children play with it
d. state practice acts prohibit their disposal

13. To prevent water stains from mirrors _______________.

a. spray with a disinfectant only
b. wrap in a paper towel prior to bagging and autoclaving
c. staining or water marks are not an issue
d. None of the above.

14. Prevent fogging of mirrors by _______________.

a. asking the patient to breathe through their nose
b. placing the mirror in warm water prior to use
c. using a light stream of air from the air/water syringe
d. All of the above.

15. When taking a maxillary arch view, the _______________.

a. nose should appear in the image
b.qupper lip should appear in the image
c. image should be captured at approximately a 45 degree angle to the mirror surface
d. lingual embrasures should not be visible

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References
1. Al-Amad SH. Forensic Odontology. Smile Dental Journal. 2009 4(1):22-24.
5. Kihs L. Dental Photography-The Basics.
3. Boudet CA. Clinical Techniques: An Introduction to Dental Photography. Glidewell Laboratories.
Accessed July 2013.
4. Brinker SP. The Importance of Good Clinical Photography. Contemporary Product Solutions. Accessed
July 2013.
5. dentalcompare.com. Dental Intraoral Camera / Intraoral Digital Cameras. Accessed December 2012.
6. wholelifedentistry.com. Digital Intra-oral Cameras. Accessed December 2012.
7. Ehrlich AB, Torres HO, Bird D. Essentials of Dental Assisting. 2nd edition. Philadelphia: Saunders,
1996.
8. Finkbeiner BL, Johnson CS. Comprehensive Dental Assisting. St. Louis: Mosby, 1995.
9. Griffith A. How to Recycle an Intraoral Camera. eHow.com. Accessed January 2013.
10. Southport Dental. How Intraoral Cameras Can Enhance Your Dental Care. Accessed January 2013.
11. Jameson J, Jameson C. Using photography to build your practice. dentaleconomics.com. Accessed
December 2012.
12. Sandler J, Sira S, Murray A. Photographic ‘Kesling set-up’. J Orthod. 2005 Jun;32(2):85-88.
13. Digital Dental Photography. Making it Easy to Integrate Photography into Your Practice. Accessed
July 2013.
14. Glassgold M. The History of Dental Photography. dinecorp.com. Accessed July 2013.
15. Morris M. Digital photography: Your modern communication and marketing tool. dentaleconomics.com.
Accessed July 2013.
16. Wikipedia. Forensic dentistry. Accessed July 2013.
17. Dental Economics. Choosing the right digital camera. Accessed July 2013.
18. aligntechinstitute.com. Patient Photographic Records. invisalign. Accessed July 2013.
19. Payet C. 8 Uses for Dental Photography. Digital Dental Photography. Dec. 2010. Accessed
January 2013.
20. Payet C. RAW or JPEG for dental photography? Digital Dental Photography. Dec. 2009. Accessed
January 2013.
21. Curtis A. The Best Dental photography video. youtube.com. May 2011. Accessed July 2013.
22. prenhall.com. Procedure II: Extraoral Photography. Pearson Education. Accessed July 2013.
23. Rosenberg W. How to Master Digital Dental Photography. eHow.com. Accessed July 2013.
24. Wikipedia. USB. Accessed July 2013.
25. osseonews.com. Utilizing Intraoral Photography. OsseoNews, Inc., Mar 2005. Accessed January 2013.
26. wisegeek.com. What Is an Intraoral Camera? Conjecture Corporation. Accessed July 2013.
27. wisegeek.com. What Does a Forensic Dentist Do? Conjecture Corporation. Accessed July 2013.
28. peterveremisdds.com. What is an Intra-Oral Camera? Accessed July 2013.

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About the Authors

Linda Kihs, CDA, EFDA, OMSA, MADAA

Linda is a current Certified Dental Assistant through the Dental Assisting National
Board, a life member of the American Dental Assistants Association and is an Expanded
Function Dental Assistant in the state of Oregon. Linda obtained her Oral Maxiofacial
Surgery Assistant certification through the University of Southern California. Linda was
the state of Oregon’s first dental assistant to receive her Masters with the American
Dental Assistant Association. Linda has worked in general chairside, endodontics,
periodontics and as an instructor for the Dental Assisting Program at Linn-Benton
Community College. Over the years, Linda has served in numerous positions at the local, state and
national association levels, culminating with her term as Tenth District Trustee representing Oregon,
Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. She has also assisted ADAA’s Director of Education with
construction of test questions for continuing education courses. Linda currently volunteers time assisting in
oral surgery at the Free Dental Clinic in Salem, Oregon, when she is not line dancing or spending time with
her two grandchildren Katie and Zachary.

Debra Engelhardt-Nash
Debra has presented workshops nationally and internationally for numerous
study groups and major dental meetings. She has written for a number of dental
publications and honored twice as author of the year for her contributions to dental
journals. Debra has been a guest instructor for the Central Piedmont Community
College Dental Assisting Program, Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry and
Oregon Health Sciences Continuing Dental Education. Debra is a founding member
and served two terms as President of the National Academy of Dental Management
Consultants. She is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association and serves on
the Board of the American Dental Assistants Association Foundation. Debra is also a member of the
American Academy of Dental Practice Administration and a fellow in the International Academy of Dental
Facial Esthetics. Because of her contributions to the industry of dentistry, Debra received the Kay
Mosley Distinguished Service Award given by the American Dental Assistants Association Foundation in
2008. It is their highest honor.

Web site: www.debraengelhardtnash.com

Email: rdnash@aol.com

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Crest Oral-B at dentalcare.com Continuing Education Course, November 4, 2013