In 2012, my husband and I acquired two adjoining dental practices. At the time, less than two years out of dental school, we were both navigating the steep learning curve of practice ownership while managing the significant debt we had just taken on. The idea of investing in additional dental equipment, regardless of the cost, was not a priority…until we were convinced of the value that intraoral cameras could bring.
After evaluating several mainstream options, we selected a model priced at approximately
$3,000 per unit, multiplied across four operatories. Once our equipment supplier completed the installation and our team received proper training, we were ready to integrate the new technology into our workflow.
Approximately two and a half years later, just beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period, more than half of the cameras began to malfunction or require ongoing maintenance. Our equipment company had already made several service visits to address connection issues, each resulting in additional labor charges. We found ourselves increasingly frustrated and evaluating other options. After a second round of costly intraoral cameras, this time from a different high-end brand that included cavity detection, we experienced similar issues. In the end, it was a costly lesson in clearly defining needs before making equipment decisions.
In hindsight, my business partner and I should have spent more time upfront discussing not only our actual needs, but equally important, what we didn’t need from an intraoral camera.
Through reflection and experience, we identified the core features that mattered most to us:
● A clear, high-quality image
● Reliable performance: the camera should power on consistently, capture images seamlessly, and display them without issue
● Smooth integration with practice management software, requiring minimal steps to acquire an image
● Immediate responsiveness—no lag time between pressing the button and image capture
● A lightweight, intuitive design that requires minimal staff training and is comfortable for patients
We also recognized what wasn’t essential: having the highest-definition image on the market or advanced features we wouldn’t regularly use. For example, we did not need cavity detection capabilities integrated into the camera.
Years later, facing similar frustrations with costly, high-maintenance cameras, we decided to try the MouthWatch Intraoral Camera. At just $299, the risk felt minimal. To our surprise, the setup was fast and straightforward. We installed most of them ourselves in minutes, despite not being particularly tech-savvy. When a technical issue arose, the MouthWatch support team responded immediately and resolved it over the phone. Integration with our software was seamless, and only minimal training was needed. The MouthWatch camera met all of our original criteria, and nearly a decade later, we’re still using them, all the while feeling supported by consistent, outstanding customer service.
In addition to ease of use for our staff, the MouthWatch camera enhances the patient experience. It features a compact size, extreme lightweight design, and quick image capture. Patients can immediately view their photos, and most are impressed and intrigued, even without a high-definition 1080p resolution image. We have been able to acquire photographs of almost every tooth and surface, even wisdom teeth on many
patients. Additionally, the original MouthWatch camera offers a great image that uses significantly less storage space in our server-based software.
Despite continued advancements in intraoral cameras in dentistry, the MouthWatch continues to outshine other options on the market. The combination of small, sleek design, image quality and usability have continued to exceed our expectations. Customer support is excellent, image quality is much more than adequate, and the camera captures images very quickly.
Everyone has their own preferences and requirements, making it important to regularly revisit our needs and expectations regarding the products and equipment used in our practices. Something that works in our practice, may not work in another. Regarding intraoral cameras, one thing seems to be true for all: the indirect return on this investment is obvious from the start. From patient education to usefulness with insurance claims to treatment case acceptance, the intraoral camera is an asset to any dental practice.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect any paid sponsorship or advertisement. No compensation was received in exchange for mentioning any products or services.
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