Townie Book Review By: Tom Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD

Everything is “going digital” these days and dentistry is fully part of the evolution. I did not call it a revolution because once you have switched from ‘analog’ to ‘digital’, there are still many layers of advancement beyond that first big step. I recently sat down to read Dr. Dale Miles’ 44-page book about digital radiography and I had only one question when I finished. How soon can I ‘go digital’ with respect to x-rays?

Going Digital addresses all of the common misconceptions and obstacles related to digital x-ray adoption in the first chapter. The high cost of adoption is a perceived problem that Dr. Miles has studied extensively. Visit his Web site (www.LearnDigital.net) to view his proof that the return on investment is realized in less than one year.

Chapter 2 is a review of the “digital imaging chain” which starts with the x-ray machine and finishes with the monitor and printer. The next chapter, titled: “Image Acquisition Basics” is a terrific review of the proper techniques and sensor positioning to obtain diagnostic images. Dr. Miles describes the subtle placement differences for film and digital sensors. Once the image has been captured, it is time to process the image. This is one place where digital images put traditional film based images to shame. Digital images can be processed [read adjusted, not manipulated] to improve contrast, brightness and to highlight areas of interest. Each company has their own software algorithms to visualize decay and bone loss more clearly.

The last chapter is a short discussion of “Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy”. Many dentists feel the need to have a paper copy of everything, but this is not necessary. Digital x-rays can be read very well on the right monitor and the images can be archived on CD ROMs or DVDs for long-term storage. There is always the option to print any image that needs to be sent to an insurance company, specialist or home with the patient.

I think it is important to note that this book is the result of a collaboration between Dr. Miles and Dentrix, but it is not a sales pitch for Dentrix Image Ray. In fact there are only a handful of references to Dentrix, and the information presented applies to all solid-state detectors. This book did an excellent job of explaining how this technology works as well as how it will enhance your practice. What are you waiting for? Go digital!

Thomas J. Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD is a general dentist in Chandler, AZ who owns a private practice with his wife, Grace Giacobbi, DDS. Originally from upstate New York, Drs. Giacobbi are1995 graduates of SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Please send comments or questions to DrTom@ChandlerDentalHealth.com. Send items to be considered for review to 1035 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 206, Chandler, AZ 85248.