A Camera Anyone Can Use for Top-Quality Images
The EyeSpecial C-II from Shofu Dental Corporation
Photography is a crucial element in dentistry, but the options for dental-specific cameras are limited. Fortunately, one of those options is the Best of Class EyeSpecial C-II from Shofu Dental Corporation, a unique digital camera that is specifically designed to handle dental applications without requiring any retrofitted add-ons.
“Any type of practice can benefit from the EyeSpecial C-II because it is the easiest, most convenient camera on the market,” says Scott J. Chanin, DMD, FAGD, a solo practitioner in Flemington, New Jersey, who specializes in cosmetic and comprehensive restorative dentistry. “I have used almost every camera from other companies over the years, and this is the best. You can train anyone in 5 minutes to take exceptional photos with it.”
The EyeSpecial C-II can be used by clinicians, assistants, and hygienists; it also benefits laboratories and patients. The camera is packed with intuitive, cutting-edge functions tailored specifically for dentistry. There are eight preset modes to facilitate easy clinical photography.
Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, CDD, first tried the camera while teaching a course for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She immediately convinced her dentist to purchase one, and within 30 days, the practice’s patient acceptance and productivity increased by 20%, she says. Since then, the practice has added three more. “This camera pays for itself,” Brinker says.
The EyeSpecial C-II weighs much less than other cameras. While others require the user to manually program the settings for each type of photograph, the EyeSpecial C-II has specific preset dental applications.
“You simply push a button for either full-face, mirror shot, or whichever other type of photo you need,” Brinker says. “It is really amazing.”
The camera also is easy to disinfect with a CaviWipe, helping with OSHA compliance.
“Unlike other cameras,” Chanin says, “you can use the EyeSpecial C-II in the middle of a patient case without worrying about contaminating it for the next patient. It is specifically designed for intraoral pictures.”
One of the most useful features is the “isolate shade” mode, which grays out gingival tissue for optimal shade matching.
“With the isolate shade feature, the screen shows only the enamel, which really helps when you are selecting and matching the shade,” Chanin says.
The feature also helps with laboratory communication, which saves valuable time. Brinker says her practice has had astounding success on single-central cases by placing shade tabs in front of the patient’s tooth and taking a photo in isolate shade mode.
“It blocks out all other colors to focus only on the tooth, which has helped us achieve almost 100% certainty that the laboratory will fabricate a restoration that matches perfectly,” Brinker says.
To further improve communication, the EyeSpecial C-II shows gridlines for easy alignment so different photos of the same patient can be compared as effectively as possible.
“You can always view the case from the same perspective, whether you center the gridlines between the central incisors or elsewhere,” Chanin says. “This is particularly useful for before and after photos.”
Exceptional images help with patient communication and education, and the EyeSpecial takes that one step further with the “draw and edit” function.
“You can identify something on the photo and use a stylus to circle what you are seeing and present that to the patient,” Brinker says.
Patients also appreciate the efficiency of the camera. Brinker estimates that photos can be taken three times faster with the EyeSpecial C-II due to its ease of use.
“We can very quickly switch settings and utilize the automatic focus and anti-shake features to take high-quality photos,” she says. “A significant issue with other cameras is that you just do not have time to take sufficient photos.”
Because patient ID numbers can be programmed into the EyeSpecial C-II, the photos can be more quickly stored with patient records in a HIPAA-compliant fashion.
This is the third year the camera has earned a Cellerant Best of Class award, and it has garnered numerous other honors as well, but Chanin says more dentists still need to try it.
“Most dental professionals do not realize how beneficial this camera can be until they actually use it,” he says. “When I am able to persuade colleagues to try the EyeSpecial C-II, they typically end up purchasing it and having success with it.”
About the Author
Scott J. Chanin, DMD, FAGD, maintains a private practice in Flemington, New Jersey.
