Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 3, 1994 TAG: 9411030097
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW ORLEANS LENGTH: Short
Many dentists are providing headphones so patients can listen to their favorite music while their open mouths are explored. Virtual reality takes that a step further with a device about the size of a small pair of binoculars that fits over the eyes, along with stereo headphones. The system can be hooked into a video-game machine or a VCR.
Todd Sames, a representative of Patterson Dental, which is pushing the device manufactured by Virtual I-O of Seattle, calls it ``a home-theater big-screen TV on the forehead.''
Only a few dentists have the machines, but the number is expected to grow sharply in the next few years, Sames said. He showed his $699 virtual-reality device at last week's American Dental Association convention in New Orleans.
``It makes a trip to the dental office a lot more fun,'' Sames said. ``Anything you can watch on TV, you can watch on this. We sold 40 units [in one day], and we feel this is the wave of the future.''
Vision is not totally obstructed by the device. Patients still have peripheral vision so the dentist can communicate with them.
The video system also can be used with cameras dentists have been using for several years to show patients exactly what oral problems they have. Instead of the dentist and the patient having to turn to a large monitor to view the picture, the patient can see it through the headgear.
by CNB