Requirements and responsibilities

Dentistry is facing some significant challenges where the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in dental practice is concerned. I am left with a strong feeling that the tail is wagging the dog at present and a dangerous situation is gathering momentum very quickly.

The problem arises from the fact that the dental profession (unlike the medical profession) has not had the benefit of significant taxpayer investment dedicated to post graduate education and training where the use of computers and ICT is concerned. Computers first appeared in schools in about 1985 and those under 36 years of age have all had the benefit of being taught computer studies as part of their formal education. There is, as a result, a massive knowledge gap that places senior members of the dental profession together with their colleagues in other regulated professions at a serious disadvantage. Practice principals are placed at particular risk as the buck stops in their hands.