Medico-legal Aspects of Intra-oral Camera Technology in Dentistry

Minimizing medico legal complications in dentistry has been developed over the years by concentrating on informing patients of the proposed treatment before treating them through communication and recording treatment in dental records. Now, not only it is important to inform patients and keep good records, but also should include patients in the diagnosis and decisionmaking processes with regard to the proposed treatment plan. One of the root causes of many problems in dentistry is the failure of communication between the clinician and patient which leads to complaints and litigation. Fortunately, the new intraoral camera technology helps to bridge the gap in communication and allows the patient to become a "co- diagnostician" throughout diagnosis and treatment planning. Intraoral camera provide easy-to-use, high definition magnification and is one of the most powerful patient education and diagnosis tool within dentistry encouraging patients’ acceptance of treatment plan. Other uses include medico-legal documentation, forensic documentation, insurance verification, and communication with laboratories, dental team members, and colleagues. This article advances the concept of minimizing medico legal complications through improved communication and photographic documentation by the use of intraoral camera.