The Electronic Oral Health Record

Abstract

This paper presents the history of the use of the computer for maintaining patient medical care information. An electronic record generated with a computer, which is non-specific for any healthcare specialty, is referred to as the electronic health record. The electronic health record was previously called the computer-based patient record. "Electronic" replaced the earlier term "computer-based" because "electronic" better describes the medium in which the patient record is managed. The electronic health record and its application to dentistry are discussed. The electronic health record is a "database" of patient information that has been entered by any healthcare provider; the electronic oral health record is an "electronic record" of oral health information that has been entered by an oral healthcare provider. The significant differences between the electronic health record and the electronic oral health record are outlined and highlighted. Included is a template describing a procedure to be used by dental personnel during the decision making process of purchasing an electronic oral health record. A brief description of a practice template is also provided. These completed templates can be shared with dental software vendors to clarify their understanding of and to clearly describe the needs of today's dental practice. The challenge of introducing information technology into educational institutions' curricula is identified. Finally, the potential benefit of using electronic technology for managing oral healthcare information is outlined.