Dynamic tool enables dental professionals to visually explain procedures and recommendations to patients

Dynamic tool enables dental professionals to visually explain procedures and recommendations to patients.
CHICAGO (February 24, 2005) ÇƒÓ The days of scribbled notes and diagrams on scratch paper and bracket table covers to explain the latest techniques in dental implants or root canals may be gone! Enter: a brand new 3-D technology to show patients graphic simulations of diagnoses and treatment plans. Reality Engineering today introduces MedVisor|dental Ç—¢, a patient education and communication tool that translates highly technical details and procedures into easy-to-understand three-dimensional dental animations.
In a recent beta test of MedVisor|dental Ç—¢, 15 dentists in the Pacific Northwest put the new tool to the test with their patients. Patients and doctors alike responded with enthusiasm at the paradigm shift in communication.
"MedVisor beautifully translates complicated medical terms and procedures into understandable language through 3-D animations displayed on our computer screen,Çƒ? said Mark DiRe, DDS, who has long been interested in utilizing technology to improve the patient experience in his Bellevue, Wash., practice. Çƒ?I can depend on MedVisor to easily illustrate complicated diagnoses and operations to patients where before, reams of paper and hours of explanation would have been required and still may have fallen short.Çƒ?
" Patients can now receive personalized information through MedVisor|dental 'sÇ—¢ custom import/export capabilities that incorporate data unique to that individual. From intraoral photos to x-rays of an individual's teeth, the tool sets a new standard for consultation and treatment planning.
The flagship product of Reality Engineering, a product development firm in Washington state MedVisor promises to close in on the substantial communication gap between patient and doctor, thereby enhancing the patient's understanding and acceptance of treatment recommendations.
Drawing on MedVisor|dental'sÇ—¢ professionally animated visuals and interactive capabilities, a dentist can discuss implant particulars with a patient in one operatory equipped with a chair-side monitor while down the hall, a dental hygienist can review the art of brushing and flossing teeth with a younger patient and parents. Later, the portable MedVisor|dental Ç—¢ can be carried to the operatory or a consulting room via a wireless slate-style tablet. MedVisor is interactive; drawing, notation and highlighting tools are at the dentist's fingertips when most needed.
MedVisor|dental establishes greater patient comprehension while professionals can easily access retrievable records of dialogue. In addition, patients with cultural or language barriers are better able to grasp pertinent information using MedVisor's realistic visual diagrams.
Reality EngineeringÇƒÙs new dental office innovation can be utilized in an integrated tablet PC with Microsoft Windows XP functionality that is engineered to meet the healthcare professionalÇƒÙs broad range of computing. Alternatively, it can be installed in a practitioner's existing computer system for use on chair-side monitors with an electronic writing pad.
Çƒ?Patients who may have been unclear about their dental health and treatment options now can make sound decisions based on a clearer understanding. Dentists who use MedVisor as a communication tool will appreciate the dramatically enhanced interest and understanding by their patients," said Ron Sakaguchi, DDS, MS, PhD, associate dean for technology and innovation and a professor at Oregon Health and Sciences University. "Healthcare professionals can expect better doctor-patient communication and relationships as a result of boosting patient understanding to a higher level.Çƒ?