What is the field combining computer and information sciences to improve dental practices known as?

The field that focuses on the application of computer and information sciences specifically within dental practices is known as dental informatics. This area of study involves the management and use of data and information in dentistry to enhance the quality of care provided to patients. Dental informatics encompasses various technologies, including electronic health records, telehealth, and data analysis systems, that aid in dental decision-making and improve clinical outcomes.

Health informatics is a broader field encompassing all aspects of healthcare information management, while clinical informatics tends to focus on the implementation of information technologies in clinical settings, often across various types of healthcare fields. Medical informatics, similarly, deals with information technology in medicine but does not specifically target dental practices. Thus, dental informatics is the most accurate term to describe the specialized intersection of dental practices and information technology.