Abstract
Introduction:
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly seen in UK dental practices, but there is no published information regarding how it is used. The aim of the study was to obtain such information using a survey.
Materials and Methods:
A survey on aspects of justification, optimisation and training was distributed to all dental practices having CBCT equipment and a contract with Dental X-ray Protection Services (DXPS).
Results:
Seventy-one completed surveys were received (49% response rate). A wide range of CBCT equipment was in use. The number of scans reported as being carried out was typically low. One third of respondents had acquired their CBCT machine within the last year. The clinical use was overwhelmingly in adult patients and related to implant dentistry. Small or medium field of view scans were most commonly used. Only 19.7% of respondents could provide detailed exposure factors. Patient protective shielding for patients was almost never used. The dentist always or mainly performed the CBCT reporting in 88.7% of practices.
Conclusions:
The survey provided no evidence of excessive use of CBCT in UK dental practices. The typical reported use was of small field of view scans for implant dentistry. Only 8.4% of practices performed examinations on children and young people. Some concerns were raised regarding respondents’ knowledge about exposure factors and the clinical evaluation of images.
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly seen in UK dental practices, but there is no published information regarding how it is used. The aim of the study was to obtain such information using a survey.
Materials and Methods:
A survey on aspects of justification, optimisation and training was distributed to all dental practices having CBCT equipment and a contract with Dental X-ray Protection Services (DXPS).
Results:
Seventy-one completed surveys were received (49% response rate). A wide range of CBCT equipment was in use. The number of scans reported as being carried out was typically low. One third of respondents had acquired their CBCT machine within the last year. The clinical use was overwhelmingly in adult patients and related to implant dentistry. Small or medium field of view scans were most commonly used. Only 19.7% of respondents could provide detailed exposure factors. Patient protective shielding for patients was almost never used. The dentist always or mainly performed the CBCT reporting in 88.7% of practices.
Conclusions:
The survey provided no evidence of excessive use of CBCT in UK dental practices. The typical reported use was of small field of view scans for implant dentistry. Only 8.4% of practices performed examinations on children and young people. Some concerns were raised regarding respondents’ knowledge about exposure factors and the clinical evaluation of images.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | British Dental Journal |
| Early online date | 18 Jan 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |