APPLICATION OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN DENTAL PRACTICE

Purpose: The aim of the study is to determine the extent of the use of photography by dentists for the needs of everyday practice. Material and methods: The survey was conducted among 254 dentists practicing in Sofia, 64 (25.2%) - men and 190 (74.8%) - women. The average age of respondents is 43.21 years. Questionnaire was developed, consisting of 9 questions, divided into two parts. The first part covers questions about the nature of the dental practice of respondent doctor. The second part includes questions about the use of photography for the purpose of daily practice. Results: Astatistical data processing is made. The average values of the responses received by groups of questions are analyzed. The factors that affect the use of dental photography were defined. The results show that from all of the surveyed persons, 82 (32.28%) people use photography for dental practice and 172 (67.72%) dentists do not to apply this method in their daily work. It was found that the reasons for not using the photography by dentists are: fear of cross-infection - 4 persons (1.57%); lack of need to use photography - 14 persons (5.51%); lack of interest - 18 persons (7.09%); cost of clinical time - 24 persons (9.45%); additional training - 58 (22.83%); expensive investment - 98 persons (38.58%). Conclusion: The extent and reasons for use of photography for the dental practice were found. The factors that are relevant to the use of dental photography by dentists were investigated.