Why Photography Is Essential in Dentistry
- Dr. Amanda Seay
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 17
If I had to name the one thing I couldn’t live without in my practice, it would be magnification. But photography? That’s right up there—absolutely critical to everything I do.
In my practice, I have a photo studio, but you don’t need one to make photography part of your workflow. With the right system and simple equipment, you can capture high-quality images no matter your space limitations.
Photography is more than just “before and after” pictures. It’s how I evaluate my work, create emotion, communicate with patients, market my practice, and document results. It tells the story of my dentistry, from the fine details of a restoration to the confidence in a patient’s new smile.
When I started out, I learned photography to showcase cases. Over time, I realized it also helped patients see what I see, boosted case acceptance, and strengthened my brand as a clinician. Now, every smile design patient gets a “smile celebration” session, quick portraits that capture their personality and joy.
Beyond esthetics, photography also protects you legally. If a patient later questions a change in their teeth or gums, photos from their first visit provide clear, objective records. That’s why every new patient in my practice gets five standard images: full face, full smile, retracted front (slightly apart), upper occlusal and lower occlusal.
Photography has made me a better dentist. Reviewing close-ups of my own work reveals areas I can improve, prompts better conversations with my lab, and helps refine my technique.
The science of dental photography is easy to learn—framing, lighting, head positioning. Your style will be uniquely yours and that’s part of what makes it powerful.
In the end, photography isn’t just about pictures. It’s about clarity, trust, artistry and connection. For me, it’s as essential to dentistry as the clinical work itself.
Ready to get started? Take the first step! Watch the Dental Photography On-demand Course Series. Learn the essentials in just 3.5 hours.
