The current information technology revolution effect on everyday life.

• Definition
  Informatics is the gathering, classification, archiving, retrieval and dissemination of information. 
  

Dental Informatics refers to the information sciences and related new  technologies that may be applied to all aspects of Dentistry.

• Includes computer use for practice and clinical management programs. 
   

• Diagnostic tools  becoming more available for dental caries, calculus detection and viewing into the gingival pocket area.
   

• Applies to technologies in communication such as:
      - e-mail
      - the Internet and security of data being sent and received.
      - literature search
      - teledentistry enables specialists to review your patient's medical/dental history,  clinical evaluations and then provide you with a reliable opinion on the diagnosis and the best course of management and treatment.
      - telerobotics     
   

• Ancillary clinical decision making programs
      - access to data-bases such as drug dosages, uses and interactions.
• Applies to all aspects of dental education
      -use of simulation programs
• Applies to all aspects of dental research