AF Dental clinics move away from traditional x-rays in favor of digital technology Published Sept. 16, 2009 By Senior Airman Jamie L. Coggan 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- In 2006, the United States Air Force Dental Corps began the installation of digital radiology in all Air Force Dental Clinics. The dental clinic here is mainly using a charge-coupled device (CCD) which takes the image it produces directly from the digital sensor to the computer screen within seconds. There are many advantages to converting to digital radiographs, said Col. Lynn Harris, 355th Dental Squadron commander. First, the clinic was able to remove the chemicals needed for film development with traditional x-rays. Second, digital radiographs require less exposure time to x-rays compared to traditional films. Lastly, the Air Force process is moving to an electronic record keeping system. With an electronic record, narrative and radiographs can be available at locations other than home station in case of temporary duty away from the base or deployment. Colonel Harris was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in the spring of 2006 while it was the second Air Force dental clinic to start the installation of digital radiology. He has been stationed at two bases since that have integrated this technology and says he hasn't seen any down-falls. "The Air Force deploys. We send people to training to prepare them for their jobs and to prepare them to go to war. We also send people to war," said Colonel Harris. "A person's medical or dental needs can be better met if the current medical provider has access to the person's medical history. With an electronic medical/dental record that can follow the military member wherever they go the medics can better meet our goal of first class health care anywhere."