Study and analysis of information and communication technology (TIC) in dentistry in Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by dentists graduated since the year 2002 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul Brazil. Method: Descriptive statistical analysis of data from 217 on-line questionnaires with SPSS software, using the Chi-square test to obtain the percentages of variables compared (p < 0.05). Results: 61.8% graduated from public colleges and 55.8% have at least one specialty. Private practice as a workplace appeared in 62.2% of responses; 88.9% do not use electronic medical records, which is the ICT they desire most to incorporate to their practice, appearing in 53.6% of responses. 87.2% believe that computerization aids clinical practice, 78.9% reporting agility. Te biggest difculty for incorporation was the high cost (67%). Conclusion: Most participants have electronic equipment, but this practice does not extend to the office and even less to public services. Computerization aids clinical practice providing more flexibility and convenience.