A SURVEY-BASED COMPARATIVE STUDY ON DENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY; INSIGHTS FROM DENTAL STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS

Objective: Dental photography plays a crucial role in diagnosing and documenting dental cases. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental interns and postgraduate students regarding clinical dental photography. Photography is widely used across health sciences, including dentistry, to aid in diagnosis, documentation, and record-keeping. Methods: A total of 191 undergraduate dental students, general dentists & consultants participated in a survey based on a convenience sampling technique, exploring their familiarity with, approach to, and practices related to dental photography. The data collected was analyzed to understand device preferences, adherence to patient consent, confidentiality protocols, and general attitudes towards dental photography. Results: A total of 191 participants completed the questionnaire; 58% of the participants held a undergraduate dental status, 15% fell in general dentists’ category, whereas 27% had a consultant status. The study revealed that only 31% of respondents used DSLR cameras for clinical photography, with mobile phones being the most common device due to the high cost of professional equipment. Most participants recognized the importance of documenting cases, particularly for treatment and planning purposes Regarding patient consent and confidentiality, the majority obtained informed consent before taking photographs. Some participants (35%) also covered patients’ eyes in photographs to maintain confidentiality. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for enhanced education and training in dental photography to improve documentation practices and ensure patient privacy. Introducing dental photography as an engaging subject could aid in efficient case recording, foster learning opportunities, and support patient recall visits. Educating dental interns and postgraduate students on the advantages and best practices of dental clinical photography is essential for optimizing its use in clinical practice.