Dental health informatics is the “application of computer and information science to improve dental practice, research, education, and management, and it is a subdiscipline of biomedical informatics. Numerous applications that support clinical care, education and research have been developed.”1 Dental informatics is “centered on harnessing technology to obtain clinical information that can be used to improve patient care or support treatment plans.”2 The field of dental informatics is concerned with the interchange of health informatics and dentistry exclusively. Dental informatics is thriving, and the interest within the profession is continuously growing, both academically and among practicing dentists and hygienists. Further, dental schools and dental practices are implementing electronic health records (EHR) systems, and health information exchanges (HIE) are transfiguring the way healthcare providers are communicating and practicing interprofessionally. The demands of federal and state programs to promote EHR adoption among certain health-care providers are also beginning to affect dentists across the country. As a result of these changes, dentistry is engaging information technology to meet its clinical, administrative, research, and educational needs more than ever.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:
• Identify dental health informatics
• Appreciate the importance of dental health informatics in dental education
• Understand the benefits of dental health informatics
• Identify the challenges of dental health informatics
Photo credit: © Syda Productions | Dreamstime.com
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
3 CE credit(s)
Course Type: written
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 03-4527-15347. Expires August 31, 2022. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2022 to 10/31/2024.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 730
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPNW (January 1, 2022–December 31, 2024). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code:
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
