DSD Photo Protocol

The 6 Key DSD Photos Guide

What will you need:

DSLR camera (smartphone photography/video is also used by some clinicians)
Two single retractors
One box of gloves
Suction tip or cotton rolls as space holders (optional)

Glove box used to keep head stable and in position for Photo 1 & Photo 2

Photo 1 – Face Retracted

Retracted front view with the teeth apart – fixed head position.

Eyes must be open
Eyes look straight to camera lens
Glasses to be removed- if any
Teeth apart- have patient say “eee”
Head straight in a fixed position
Full face photo.
Maintain same position for Photo 2

Photo 2 – Face Smile

Full-smile front view (Teeth Apart)

Make sure same head position as Photo 1
Eyes open
Remove retractors
Have patient say “eee” teeth apart 1-2 mm

To achieve 1-2 mm space at the front teeth for Photo 2

1.	Cut a piece of suction tip / cotton roll
2.	Place between molars- view photo
3.	Ask patient to close gently till you see the 1-2 mm space at the front teeth is achieved.
4.	We recommend – patient saying “EEE” this opens the space needed

Photo 3 – Profile Smile

Take the photo of the patient’s side profile with a full smile.

Making sure we have the full side profile
Patient must smile

Photo 4 – Profile Relaxed

Take the photo of the patient’s profile with

lips and teeth in contact.

Photo 5 of 6 Key DSD photos | 12 o’clock photo

Photo 5 – 12 O’Clock

The 12 o’clock is one of the most important photo
Be sure the patient is smiling
When smiling make sure the teeth are resting on the bottom lip.
Be sure the insical edge can be seen.
Be sure to take full face

2 Options for Photo 5

2 options on how to take Photo 5

Option 1 for Photo 5 of 6 Key DSD photos | 12 o’clock photo

Option 1 – 12 o’clock

In a dental chair in horizontal position. Take your position behind the head of the patient (12 o’clock) and point your camera to see in the viewfinder the head of the patient from chin to forehead.

Ask the patient to smile and set the focus point on the front upper teeth surface. Before taking the shot ask the patient to look back into the lens of your camera without moving the head. Take the photo.

Option 2

Position the patient on a stool with their elbows supported on their knees. Ask the patient to hold their head in a relaxed position. Take your position in the front of the patient, and then he or she should make a full smile and raise their eyes into the direction of the lens without changing the position of their head. Take the photo.