Editors note: The author of this article has financial interest in CephX.
The OC-J does not endorse the product, but felt that it would be of interest to our readers.
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Are you confused by all the various computerized cephalometric analysis programs?

Running a busy practice , isn't it a formidable task to learn complex computer instructions and manuals?

Are you hesitant to spend a large sum of money for something you may not have the time or need for?

Dislike yearly subscription fees, update fees and update reinstallations?

Don’t you wish you could get an almost immediate tracing done with selected cephalometric analyses clearly marked out and highlighted ?

Don't you have custom cephalometric preferences?

For doctors with branch offices, wouldn't the ability to access patient archives of x-rays, tracings, analyses and photographs at any time and anywhere (even your home) be a wonderful convenience?

Are you bothered by backup and archiving hassles?

Wouldn't it be a great idea if you could share a particular patient archive with another doctor anywhere in the world who has that patient's access code and be able to discuss the case?

Wouldn't it be great PR for any individual patient to be able to access his own digital record on the Internet with a special password and be able to read encouraging memos from your staff about the importance of cooperation, be reminded of the next appointment date and fee balance, and watch instructional orthodontic videos?

If your answer is "yes" to any of the above questions, then CephX (Figure 1) is the system for you.

Fig. 1 The CephX system

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This new web based program uniquely allows you to use the Internet as your own personal network for patient digital management.

There are multiple advantages over more expensive programs:

Simply upload a digital ceph and ask for the RTS (Remote Tracing Service). Your ceph will be traced for you and all the analyses will be ready within 48 hours (Figure 2).

Fig. 2

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You can also elect to interactively perform the tracing yourself, guided by the dynamic point identifier. You can also relocate individual points that are not to your satisfaction. Once you save your new points they are immediately stored on the Internet for future access or editing from any other computer linked to the Internet (Figure 3).

Fig. 3

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Choose from any one of the 14 analyses or design your own with your own custom points (Figure 4).

Fig. 4 Start Analyses

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Most analyses have a scaled mini graphic of the analysis in addition to the commented raw number data (Figure 5).

Fig. 5 Vertical Analysis Demo

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All the digital data of any patient can be viewed from any computer linked to the Internet. Great for multiple branch practices (Figures 6 and 7).

Fig. 6 View Picture Archive	Fig. 7 Archive Detail
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Backup and security convenience

Once the digital data is uploaded under the patient's name, there is an automatic security and backup protocol, thereby eliminating your backup problems. Access to your patient is via user name and password (Figures 8 and 9).

Fig. 8 Login	Fig. 9 Patient List
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No expensive hardware or software required. A fast Internet connection with Explorer 5.5 or better is all you need. Version updates are done automatically and there is no need for reinstallation, setup or upgrade fees. The cost is minimal at a per patient basis. Pay only if you use the archive.

Share password generated access with colleagues for consultation or second opinions. Terrific for orthognathic CAD sharing with maxillofacial surgeons. You can use treatment plan templates or note boxes (Figure 10).

Fig. 10 File Sharing

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Besides self digitization of any point and custom point and analysis creation, you can use the advanced functions interactively

via OVERLAY TRACINGS (Figures 11 and 12),

Fig. 11 Cephalogram Overlay Tracing	Fig. 12 Photo Overlay Tracing
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SKETCHPAD of any line length and angle (Figure 13), CAD for orthognathic design (Figure 14),

Fig. 13 Sketchpad	Fig. 14 CAD
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and PRINTOUT of any or all analyses (Figure 15).

Fig. 15 Printout of analysis

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Generate passwords for patients so that they may go directly to their own digital archive and read memo information about cooperation, hygiene, reminder of next appointment and financial balances. Under construction are instructional video clips on tooth brushing,and rubber band and headgear wear (Figure 16).

Fig. 16 Patient Information

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Subscription to http://www.cephx.com/ is free and does not obligate you in any way. Also the first 3 cephs with digitization are free.

Thereafter for $9.95 per patient, you have the full functionality of a backed up archive storage, access from any computer, colleague sharing, patient sharing, computerized analyses, custom analyses, superimposition, orthognathic CAD and paper printouts.

For an additional fee of $9.95 you can request Remote Tracing Service (RTS) with e-mail notification within 48 hours that your ceph is ready and thereafter go directly to your patient by clicking link in the e-mail

The cephX team seems to be on the right track

August 20, 2002