Application of sophisticated production metrology and nanometrology for quality control in bio-engineering

Currently biomedical procedures are skill based to a wide extent and clinicians performance in this wide field of science is considerably variable. There are no scientific methods available to the biomedical and dental clinicians for measurement and feedback of the skill-based activities although some limited rules do exist to assist them in learning their procedures. The lack of formal procedures and measurement techniques makes it extremely difficult to develop consistent procedures and results. The subject though has opportunities for broad support by metrology techniques that have been developed initially for engineering applications and will assist the clinicians in characterising biomedical surfaces to assist in their maintenance, modification, optimisation and trauma repair. With the development of robust measurement tools and protocols it will be possible to quantify the appropriate metrology so that it will be possible to provide a quality assurance feedback to the clinicians to assure good practice, functional achievement and long service life of the restoration. To achieve this it is necessary to develop the techniques and protocols and to embody them in effective communication practices and to evaluate the surface components of human bodies whereas this includes teeth, gums, skin, bones, joints, endo prostheses and artificial prostheses parts.