A high-precision diagnostic tool complimenting specialist oral healthcare services is now available for all patients at the NDC. The new CBCT scanner generates three-dimensional images of patients' jaws, teeth and surrounding soft tissue, providing clinicians improved imaging of the oral condition compared with conventional two-dimensional radiographic images previously ordered for patients. This enhances treatment planning for more complex oral conditions where accuracy is extremely important for successful treatment. Patients undergoing dental implant therapy and corrective jaw surgeries for facial deformities will particularly benefit from the new technology.

Other patient-friendly attributes enhance the previous film-based system. At image-capture speeds of only a fraction of the time compared with conventional CT scans, most dental patients are exposed to significantly lower amounts of radiation. Siting the scanning services where treatment is delivered saves patients time traveling to and from another hospital for a CT scan. And unlike the configuration for conventional medical CT scanning, patients are sat upright instead of lying down.

"High quality imaging is now possible with units specially designed to fit dental operatories; they are much easier and faster to operate and expose our patients to lower doses of radiation. Such pluses translate to better care delivery for our patients", comments Dr Chua Ee Kiam, a specialist prosthodontist who is also head of NDC's Clinical Support Services Department.

Increased Efficiency with Filmless Image Management System

Keeping pace with technology, diagnostic services at NDC has also gone filmless in recent months. Electronically processing, storing, retrieving and distributing the voluminous x-ray records at NDC is expected to further streamline diagnostic service delivery, resulting in time savings for patients and quick accessibility to important patients' information for doctors.

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