By: Dr. Victor Cedillo Felix
This article originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Felix granted igniteDDS to share with our readers.
If someone had told me back in 2007 that learning dental photography would help me land jobs, become a better dentist, increase my income, and even allow me to travel to lecture, I would’ve said they were crazy. But over time, I’ve come to see that dental photography is far more than taking pictures—it’s a clinical, educational, and professional tool that has had a profound impact on my career. I believe every dental student should learn it early, and every dental school should include it in the curriculum.
Sixteen-year-old me working as a dental assistant at my father’s practice in Mexico didn’t foresee the impact of dental photography on my career. I started by taking clinical photos for his lectures; my dad would set up the DSLR and ring flash, and I’d just focus and click.
Most people don’t immediately associate dental photography with career growth, but it can be a game-changer for a new dental business model. Finding a job as a dentist is stressful, especially when you’re trying to prove your clinical skills with just a résumé. Some offices require a working interview, but submitting a portfolio of your own cases is better. Ever since I began practicing full-time in San Diego in 2017, I’ve documented my work, and I’ve continued to refine my photography skills through advanced courses to build my portfolio. Since many of my interviews were over the phone, I sent each practice a digital portfolio featuring clinical images of my treatments and a link to my verified Instagram profile. (Picture 1,2). More often than not, the dentists I interviewed with were impressed as the images helped me stand out and land my first job in California.
Pic 1 Portfolio case Initial situation Captured with DSLR camera
Pic 2 Final result with OMNICHROMA BLOCKER Flow and OMNICHROMA
In 2020, a shortage of patients led to me being laid off. On a working visa, I had just 90 days to find another job. I ended up getting hired thanks to a recommendation from a doctor who followed me on Instagram, admired my clinical work, and even invited me to present a continuing education course. That’s when I fully realized the value of having a strong online presence, a portfolio of your treatments.
As an associate dentist, paid based on production, my goal is to stay busy and maximize my monthly output. To achieve these goals, case acceptance means everything and one of the best tools I have under my belt is my ability to show patients their clinical condition using high-quality photos, intraoral scans, and your treatment portfolio on a tablet. With these tools in your toolbelt, case presentations become much more powerful. (Picture 3)
Humans are visual creatures—we need to see the problem to understand it. As clinicians, it’s our responsibility to communicate clearly and effectively, showing patients what you see through scans and photos makes their condition real for them (Picture 4, 5). When pictures and knowledge are shared at the forefront of your consultation, patients are more likely to accept treatment and feel good about the investment they will make. This also means you need to deliver at the next appointment, and afterwards you can ask for a review to gain traction from every person that comes through your door.
Pic 4 Caries removal with detector dye Captured with intraoral camera
Pic 5 Final result with OMNICHROMA BLOCKER and OMNICHROMA
Now, to be realistic, adding photography into your business can be intimidating especially from a financial perspective but the truth is, you don’t need a fancy setup to start, a basic intraoral camera is effective.
As you gain experience, you can upgrade to a DSLR camera with a ring or twin flash to take comprehensive intraoral and extraoral shots. The results will allow you to confidently present larger cases like smile makeovers, full-mouth rehabilitation, All-on-4 prosthetics, and Invisalign thus making the investment profitable in the long run.
One of the most valuable aspects of photography, though, is how it sharpens your clinical eye. When I review my photos, I can objectively critique my own work. (Picture 6) It’s one thing to see a restoration in the mouth—but it’s another to see it magnified on a screen. That constant reflection helps me improve every case that follows and has made me a better dentist.
Pic 6 Uneven open proximal contacts Opportunity for self-critique and improvement
Attracting new patients is critical to your success. In today’s competitive landscape, every dental office should have a dental marketing strategy, and photography should exist at its core. Showcasing your before-and-after results in postcards, brochures, office TVs, and social media posts can drive both new consults and help existing patients realize the range of services you offer. If you want to be known for veneers, then your content needs to highlight veneers. The same goes for Invisalign, full-mouth rehabs, All-on-4 cases, endodontics —you name it. Patients can’t request what they don’t know you provide. (Picture 7)
Pic 7 Full Upper Rehab with overlays and crowns currently on Invisalign Photography for marketing purposes and high return treatments
Finally, for those of us interested in going beyond the operatory—whether it’s lecturing, publishing, or partnering with dental companies—photography is essential. A strong social media presence filled with quality clinical images, step-by-step cases, and educational posts can lead to lectures, CE courses, and industry collaborations. It has been true for me, and the opportunities continue to grow.
Dental photography has given me far more than beautiful images, it has boosted my confidence, sharpened my clinical skills, and opened doors I never expected. I truly believe every dentist, especially those early in their careers, should learn and continually refine this craft. For anyone seeking growth, connection, and distinction in dentistry, mastering dental photography isn’t optional; it’s essential. And to those who think it’s just about pretty pictures: trust me, it’s so much more than that!
If you’ve reached the end of this article, Mastering Dental Photography is the next step for you. This hands-on course, offered by The Pankey Institute, is highly recommended for dentists who want to refine their skills and elevate the level of dentistry they deliver. From essential camera settings and foundational principles to diagnostic and treatment planning photography, the course is designed to meet you at your current skill level and help you grow with confidence.
