Potential for computer and optical videodisk technology in dental education

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Dental Education Technology

Background:

• Dental education extensively uses color slides for instruction.
• An estimated 300,000 slides are produced annually by dental schools nationwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the integration of computer and videodisk technology.
• To present this technology as a tool for managing extensive visual information in dental education.

Main Methods:

• Combining computer technology with videodisk capabilities.
• Developing a system to manage a large visual database (54,000 slides).

Main Results:

• Creation of a powerful tool for visual information management.
• Implementation of an innovative instructional method.

Conclusions:

• Computer and videodisk technology offers an effective solution for managing large volumes of visual data in dental education.
• This technological integration enhances instructional delivery and visual information accessibility.