Computer-generated slides: outdated technology or state-of-the-art presentation style?

With the explosion of computerization, it appears that the business community is switching to computer-based presentations, projecting onto a screen directly from a computer, instead of the old standard of presenting with slides. However, the dental profession has been slow to follow. Although some speakers have switched to computer-based presentations, slides are still the standard in 1998. With the advent of numerous new computer software programs, clinicians are now able to generate highly sophisticated slides, that can be an equally powerful medium to communicate with the audience. Unfortunately, many clinicians are not taking advantage of the benefits of this technology. This article explains the simplicity of generating professional, high quality slides, reviews the major programs and equipment available to accomplish this task, and previews the multitude of applications this technology offers to practitioners as well as educators.