STATISTICAL STUDY ON THE USE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN DENTAL OFFICES

Future scenarios on the relational and therapeutical treatment of patients of various ages are inevitably restricted by the available material and logistic possibilities. The aim of the study was to establsh the logistic capacity of the private dental offices of Ia[i and the receptivity of their owners to the software products available on the market, as well as the extent of use of modern means of data investigation and storage, for a subsequent monitorization of odontal pathologies. Materials and method. Out of the 130 applied questionnaires, 88 were not filled in by the respondents (participation ratio = 67.69%). Results and discussion: A large number of dentists considered in the present study do have and use computers in their offices, first as they considerably simplify communication (e-mail, internet) and, to a much more reduced extent, for administrative (files recording, book keeping, accounts, schedule records) or clinical aspects. Access to Internet has been frequent, in most cases at higher rate. Conclusions: The main reasons which explain the absence of Internet access in dental offices should be related to the lack of interest from the part of their owners