Digitally aware dentists

Sir, you are correct in your assumption that dentists are less digitally aware than their patients (BDJ 2004, 196: 309). Whilst the profession is way behind them in the use of electronic communications it is important to understand the reasons and find rapid solutions. There is presently no chance of the Government target of April 2005 being met with NHSNet(N3)connections for all PDS Providers as part of their new contract. The requirements are demanding with certification and conditions of use having to be fulfilled. The introduction and use of computers in dentistry has a rather unhappy history being littered with tales of expensive exploitation and technical failures. With obsolescence, hardware/software problems, expensive technical support, viruses and numerous other problems rife can you really blame those who are happier standing on the touchlines? How do spectators join the electronic players and how can they embrace the new electronic era with confidence and trust? For those of us who have access to a technical team and electronic communications as part of our daily business lives it is easy to take the benefits for granted and keep abreast of the latest advances. But for many others with little or no background or experience of computers, the prospects of utilising electronic messaging solutions are daunting. There are also the additional burdens of patient confidentiality and EEC guidelines restricting the use of electronic communications by the regulated professions.

Yes, more and more people are using the internet to access dental practice web sites to learn more about professional fees, specialist services and electronic appointment booking facilities. Digitally aware dentists are exploiting the benefits of internet marketing and advertising to attract high value new patients in the technologically aware age group of 30-45 years of age. I believe that an approved national course of education and training is going to be crucial in closing the electronic gap between dentists and their patients and it will be a demanding agenda compressed into 12 months.

Whilst the BDA has a role to play so does the GDC and the new PCT's. It seems to me that the new PCT structure is well placed to investigate the extent of the problem and make arrangements to provide the necessary educational training at a local level without delay. Without this the NHS plans to modernise communications within the NHS will be in tatters where dentistry is concerned.