Tech Trends: A look into the latest dental and general technology on the market

Ruggard EDC-30L Electronic

Dry Cabinet (30L) ($149.95, Gradus Group LLC)

In a busy practice, protecting existing equipment is paramount; after all, while new equipment is nice, it often comes with the headaches of setup, training and support. Camera equipment specifically needs to be cared for beyond protective cases, as humidity over 65% can induce fungal spores to grow on lenses or camera bodies and ruin image quality. Dry cabinets can serve as a moisture-controlled, dust-free environment for practitioners to store and hopefully extend the life of their camera equipment. In the dry cabinet space, Ruggard has gained a reputation for creating affordable equipment protection solutions, and its EDC-30L dry cabinet is among its most popular products.

The EDC-30L is a simple device: It is a lockable cabinet with a 30L capacity and a clear door that can control relative humidity within itself from 35% to 60%. Just plug it into the wall and start putting camera gear in it. Controls at the top of the device allow users to adjust where they want the relative humidity to sit, and at its default settings, most moisture damage should be prevented. LED lights illuminate what is inside, but they are puzzlingly placed only on the right side of the cabinet, so the lighting can be blocked if there is too much equipment. What is most impressive about the EDC-30L is its silence and ease of operation: There are no fans to make noise, no need to empty water containers and no further need for interaction for it to function. Given the protection the EDC-30L brings, especially to those practicing in humid environments, this device is a must have for anyone looking to extend the life of their camera equipment.

— Alexander Lee, DMD

Signal

(Free, Signal)

Instant messaging has evolved significantly over the past several decades. Sending real-time messages back and forth between individuals or groups has become a primary method of communication today. Businesses also use messaging to communicate efficiently with many of their customers. With the recent concerns surrounding cybersecurity and data privacy, users are looking for messaging platforms they can trust. Signal is an open-source, cross-platform messaging software developed by an independent, nonprofit organization focused on privacy without sacrificing features.

Signal works on iOS/iPadOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux desktops. A mobile phone number is required to register. Users can set up their profile with a name and photo. Everything in Signal, including profiles and messages to other Signal users, are end-to-end encrypted and completely secure. To start messages, users tap on “Compose” and choose recipients from their Signal contact list, which is automatically populated from the sharing of their device contact list with the app. Groups can be created with multiple Signal users. Popular messaging features such as voice messages, sending pictures, videos, GIFs and files are also included. Voice or video calls may be made from any direct or group conversation through the phone or video camera icon. Multiple devices can be linked to the same registration. Specific only to Android devices, Signal can serve as a unified messenger to send SMS/MMS messages to non-Signal users. SMS/MMS messages from Signal are not secure because they are sent through the mobile provider of the Android device. iOS/iPadOS and desktop devices cannot send or receive SMS/MMS messages. With internet access, Signal can be used internationally because calling and messaging are done through data. When users receive messages from other users who are not in their Signal contact list, they will receive a request letting them know who is trying to get in touch with them and can choose whether to accept, block or delete the request. The service is extremely reliable with an interface that should be familiar to all.

Messaging is an incredible and useful tool to stay connected with friends, family, co-workers and colleagues. Keeping communications safe and private has become ever more important as companies face security challenges in responding to major data breaches. Signal is a full-featured messaging solution that provides the end-to-end encryption necessary to maintain privacy.

— Hubert Chan, DDS