A new dawn: The impact of digital technologies in oral and maxillofacial pathology

Abstract

The rapid evolution of digital technology in all walks of the life is an important indicator that a different future is waiting for us. Technology has become a mainstay of daily life and is being increasingly used in education, research as well clinical activities with new innovations aiding healthcare and increase our knowledge, productivity and efficiency. There is no doubt that the healthcare sector, including dental sciences will be influenced by these rapid changes with many standard procedures likely to change. This is supported by the fact that some medical and dental specialties such as radiology have already made the digital leap. Digital pathology is an emerging area which has started to transform education and workflow in pathology. In this review, we will discuss how these novel and 'disruptive' technologies are likely to change education, training and diagnostic work flow in oral and maxillofacial pathology.