Dental Informatics
Dental Informatics is a specialization within Health Informatics, a multi-disciplinary field that seeks to improve health care through the application of Health Information Technology (HIT) and information science to health care delivery, health information management, health care administration, research, information gathering and synthesis, and knowledge sharing.(1)
Dental informatics professionals oversee information systems utilized in dental practices and develop technology to improve dental care. Their duties include:
Developing theoretical models – designed to improve dental research. For example, researchers seeking cures for oral cancers need to be able to quickly access information about cancer growth, current medical procedures, and symptoms. Research models can also be used to test hypotheses and treat disease.
Developing and setting up computer applications – that make patient information and medical records more accessible for dentists. Dental informatics specialists are currently working to develop a centralized database for all dental records. This will make it easier for dentists to review and compare dental records since nearly all dentists continue to utilize paper charts.
Design and install information systems – that are easy for dentists, dental hygienists, and administrative assistants to use.
Analyze dental information systems – to ensure they function properly and are useful resources, improve patient care, and eliminate costs.(2)
(1) http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/member-benefits/practice-resources/dental-informatics
(2)http://www.careerprofiles.info/dental-informatics.html