Integrating Computing and Dentistry

Abstract

After half a century of electronic automation, we should note that this is also the fifth decade of computer applications in dentistry. During this time dentistry has generally kept abreast of advances in automation theory and technology. Dental informatics has now matured to the point where these efforts can become self-sustaining and thus prepare dentistry for an even more extensively automated future. To do this we need a fundamental understanding of the processes of the profession, and only then may we plan how and where to have automation technology fit into the future of dentistry.