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Background and Aims: Systems existing in hospital or clinic settings offer services within the physical environment. Examples of such systems include picture archiving and communication systems, which provide remote services for patients. To develop a successful system, methods like software development life cycles (SDLCs) and design techniques, such as prototyping, are needed. This study aimed to specify requirements, design, and evaluation of dental image exchange and management system using a user‐centered approach. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted in four phases, each corresponding to different stages of SDLCs. User‐needs data were used to gathered by interviews and observations. A prototype was developed using object‐oriented programming and presented to users for feedback. Finally, focus group was used to finalized the prototype into the desired system. Results: User needs were identified and prioritized from the outset, with ease of use, security, and mobile apps being their most essential requirements. The prototype underwent several iterations of design and evaluation in focus group sessions until users were satisfied, and their feedback was incorporated. Eventually, the prototype was refined into the final system with users' consent. Conclusion: The study revealed that instant access to information, voluntary participation, user interface (UI) design, and usefulness were critical variables for users and should be integral to any system. Successful implementation of such a system requires careful consideration of end‐users' needs and their application to the system. Moreover, integrating the system with electronic health records can further enhance the treatment process and the efficiency of medical staff. The voluntary perspective of users played a significant role in achieving an exemplary UI and overall satisfaction with the system. Developers and policymakers should consider these aspects in similar system development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to assess the anatomical variations of the greater palatine canal (GPC) and greater palatine foramen (GPF) in an Iranian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 193 CBCT scans of adults (94 males, 99 females) taken between 2017-2021 that were retrieved from a radiology clinic in Urmia, Iran. Axial sections were used to assess the position, diameter, and shape of GPF, and sagittal sections were used to assess the length and path of GPC. Data were analyzed by paired and independent t-test, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney test, and Chi-square test (alpha=0.05). Results In most cases (97.34% of males and 98.49% of females), GPF was located distal to the maxillary first molar. The mean distance between the GPF and midpalatal suture was significantly greater in males than females (15.2±1.8 vs. 14.3±1.5 mm; P=0.002). The mean diameter of GFP was significantly larger in males than females in both mesiodistal (2.34±0.64 vs. 1.96±0.63 mm, P<0.05) and anteroposterior (4.69±1.17 vs. 4.07±1.20 mm, P=0.001) dimensions. The mean length of GPC in males was significantly higher than that in females (28.55±2.62 vs. 26.90±3.31 mm, P<0.05). The most common form of GPF and GPC (on sagittal sections) was oval, and sigmoid, and curve, respectively. The most common GPC path was anterior-inferior (65.96% of males and 64.65% of females). Conclusion The present results provided valuable information regarding the anatomical variations of GPF and GPC in Iranian population. CBCT was proven to be a valuable tool for assessment of maxillofacial anatomical landmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed at comparing the size and shape of mandibular condyle in mature adult population with different skeletal patterns. Methods A total of 198 patients within the age range of 15-64 years, including 68 males and 130 females, were allocated into three groups based on the A point-nasion-B point angle ANB angle: skeletal classes I (n = 65), II (n = 69), and III (n = 64). The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to evaluate right and left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in each patient. TMJ evaluation was comprised of size of condyle, area of condyle, and morphology index. The Mimics software was used to calculate the size and area of the condyle. The size, area, and morphology index were compared between the study groups using parametric tests. Results Based on the results of paired t-test, there was a significant difference between the sizes of right and left condyles, in favor of the right condyle (P = 0.02). In addition, the mean size of the condyle in class III subjects was higher than those of classes I and II; however, the difference between the classes I and II was insignificant. The size and area of condyle were higher in males compared with females. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, there might be a correlation between the facial skeletal morphology and area of condyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is applied for the imaging of the maxillofacial and dental structures, particularly for surgical treatments and dental implants. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of slice thickness on the accuracy of CBCT linear measurements. Methods: In this diagnostic accuracy study, forty-two titanium pins with the same dimensions were inserted into seven dry sheep mandibles. The length of the pins before the insertion was carefully measured by a digital caliper, (0.01mm accuracy). Imaging of the mandible performed using CBCT New Tom VGi. After image reconstruction by NNT Viewer, linear measurements were made on cross-sectional slices (thicknesses of 0.125, 0.5, 1 and 2mm) by three radiologists. The accuracy of measurements assessed using descriptive indices and compared between different slice thicknesses by repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between different slice thicknesses (P=0.024). According to the least significant difference (LSD) test, the difference in absolute errors was significant in all thicknesses (P=0.024). Measurements at 0.125 mm thickness were significantly different from others, with a higher error rate (mean absolute error=0.17). Measurements at 0.5mm thickness showed a significant difference with those at 0.125 and 2mm (mean absolute error=0.15). Measurements at 2mm thickness were significantly different from those at 0.125 mm thickness (mean absolute error=0.13).The average error rate was lower in 2mm thickness and the measurements were more accurate. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference was seam between CBCT measurements and actual sizes in different slice thicknesses. The differences were below 1mm, and clinically acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: When none of digital systems and scanners is accessible and it is essential to have digitized images of conventional radiographs, digital cameras can be used. The Aim of this study was to investigate whether digital images obtained by different resolutions of a digital camera are matched to the original radiographs in evaluation of caries. Methods: In this diagnostic accuracy in vitro study the conventional radiographs of168 proximal surfaces of 84 teeth were produced, Then they were digitized with digital camera in three different resolutions; high (2048x1536), medium (1600x1200) and low resolution (480x460). Images were stored in Photoshop7.0 software, and were evaluated by5 observers to show the presence and depth of the caries. Cronbach's α calculated inter-observers agreement and in order to calculate the agreement with original conventional radiographs Kappa index was used. Results: In assessing the presence of caries, the agreement between low, medium and high resolutions with original radiographs were 0.286, 0.235 and 0 respectively. Also, assessing the depth of the caries agreement was reported0.21, 0.338 and 0.412 respectively. In most instances, there was a fair agreement between the different resolutions and original radiographs. The highest interobserver's agreement was reported in diagnosis of the presence of the caries with using high resolution (α=0.837) and the lowest inter-observer's agreement was reported in diagnosis of the depth of the caries with medium resolution (α=0.762).There was no significant difference reported in observations of different resolutions and original images. Conclusion: Using of high-resolution cameras did not show a significant difference with medium and low resolutions in caries evaluations. Therefore, considering the increase in the file size and difficulties in cameras selection, using of high-resolution digital cameras is not necessary in order to increase the diagnostic accuracy of digitized images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiographic evaluation plays a decisive role in confirming and establishing diagnoses of periodontal diseases by providing information on the type and severity of damage to the alveolar bone. In the dental practice, twodimensional periapical and panoramic radiographs are routinely used for assessing alveolar bone status. However, two-dimensional image modalities have shown limitations in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of periodontitis. To this end, three-dimensional imaging modalities such as CBCT are currently being investigated as possible complementary diagnostic tools in periodontal therapies. CBCT has no geometric overlapping of anatomical structures; it is relatively accessible; and its radiation dose is lower, as compared to medical computed tomography. Furthermore, the ability to view the alveolar bone in three dimensions and to make measurements at any location could significantly improve periodontal diagnosis. The objective was to identify the best available external evidence for the indications of CBCT for periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning in specific clinical situations. A literature review of the PubMed-Medline database along with the reference lists of relevant articles was performed up to December 31, 2017. The following search terms were used: "periodontal disease", "computed tomography", "imaging", "furcation defect", "alveolar bone loss." Within their limits, the available data suggest that CBCT may improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment planning in periodontal defects, particularly in maxillary molars with furcation involvement, and that the higher irradiation doses and cost-benefit ratio should be carefully analyzed before using CBCT for periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]