5 dental apps you may not know about

Do you know how much sugar you consume each day? Do you need help translating dental terminology? Are any of your patients in need of assistance with brushing their teeth? Do you want instructional videos helping you with dental procedures, including how to treat cleft lip and palate patients? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this is your lucky day! Here are five free apps that can help you in your day-to-day endeavors as a dental student:

1. Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by MyFitnessPal

Apple App Store link             Google Play Store link

As dental professionals, we’re concerned about dental health as well as overall health. Apps like MyFitnessPal are a requirement for those who want to keep track of the number of calories consumed per day. Not only does it tabulate the number of calories in food, there is also a dental-friendly sugar column that counts the grams of sugar in different food and drinks. For easy access, you can scan the bar code of many food products. Users can also search restaurant menus on MyFitnessPal. In addition, the app allows users to incorporate the number of calories burned during workouts. Even for those who do not exercise regularly, the app can count the number of steps walked and display the number of calories that have been burned during his or her daily routine.

2. Canopy Medical Translator

Apple App Store link             Google Play Store link

Canopy Medical Translator is vital for dental and medical professionals because it provides them with the opportunity to communicate with all types of patients. The app includes 15 language translations. Additionally, Canopy has strong customer service and is always looking for ways to improve the translator app. Soon after I downloaded the app, I received a personalized email asking me about my background and if I had any suggestions for the app. Those who download the app also can elect to receive “This Week at Canopy” emails.

3. Toothbrush Timer

Apple App Store link

The Toothbrush Timer is helpful for people, especially children, who need some impetus to brush their teeth twice a day. Dental students and professionals would be smart to recommend this app to their patients. Each time the user opens the app, he or she can click one button to start the countdown clock while the app shows which of the four quadrants he or she should brush at which time. In addition, there are settings to update your last dental appointment and the last time you changed toothbrushes. The only problem is that the you have to force quit the app you’re done with it. It seems to be a glitch that came with the new iPhone operating systems.

Note: There is a similar app that goes by the same name in the Google Play store (here is the link), but it is not the same app.

4. Dentistry ProConsult

Apple App Store link             Google Play Store link

Developed by Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, this app provides detailed instructions and videos of 24 different procedures to help dental students and professionals. Users can add their favorite procedures by swiping left on the app.

Note: Augusta University was known as Georgia Regents University when Lia Kalliath included this app as a part of her “My Top 5 Dental Apps for Dental Students!” article in 2012.

5. Boston Cleft Lip & Palate

Apple App Store link

It is important for dental students and professionals to know the proper treatment for cleft lip and palate patients. This app, from the world-renowned Boston Children’s Hospital, includes clear and concise treatment plans from multiple dentists. In addition, there are videos discussing the background and treatment of cleft lips and palates.

Note: The audio and some webpages are inaccessible when using the app on an iPad. The Boston Cleft Lip & Palate app is not available on the Google Play Store.

Do you have any great dental apps on your phone or tablet? Share them in the comments section below!

~Adam Lowenstein, predental