Journal of Prosthodontics News
Innovative Application of Near Field Communication Technology in Dental Prostheses and Dental Appliances
Now online in the Journal of Prosthodontics, a report of a technique to mark dental prostheses using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, co-authored by ACP members, Sally Roushdy, BDS, MSD and Galen Schneider, DDS, PhD, FACP.
Various methods of denture identification techniques have been reported in the literature, including surface marking and inclusion methods. However, current techniques present limitations when applied to complex prosthetic designs or appliances with restricted space.
This article presents a technique using a low-cost miniature NFC chip, programmable through a smartphone, that can be embedded into dental prostheses or appliances to securely store and retrieve the patient's medical and dental information. This method allows immediate access to essential data in clinical and emergency situations, improves documentation, and provides a versatile solution for contemporary prosthodontic practice.
A variety of user-friendly applications are currently available that enable NFC chip programming and provide interactive functions, such as linking to websites, educational videos, or other digital content.
Security features vary among NFC applications and NFC chip types, and clinicians can select and implement the appropriate security measures based on the specific clinical context and their professional judgment. In accordance with HIPAA regulations, patients can provide informed consent prior to embedding personal, medical, or dental information into the NFC chip, ensuring both ethical and legal use of patient data.
The NFC chip provides an esthetically pleasing method for storing and retrieving electronic health and dental records, thereby enhancing continuity of care and supporting clinical decision-making.
Roushdy S, Zhu T, Hendricks S, Vasdev T, & Schneider G. Innovative application of Near Field Communication technology in dental prostheses and dental appliances. J Prosthodont. 2026; 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.70104
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