Research Article
Austin J Radiol. 2015;2(2): 1016.
Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists towards Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Mangalore - A Questionnaire Survey
Shishir Ram Shetty1*, Renita Lorina Castelino2, Subhas G Babu2, Prasanna3, Anusha Rangare Laxmana4 and Roopashri K5
1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Gulf medical University, United Arab Emirates
2Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nitte University, India
3Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya University, India
4Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Century International Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, India
5Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, A J Institute of Dental Sciences, India
*Corresponding author: Shishir Ram Shetty, Department of Oral Medicine And Radiology, Gulf medical university, Ajmaan, United Arab Emirates
Received: February 24, 2014; Accepted: March 18, 2015; Published: March 20, 2015
Abstract
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of dentists towards CBCT in Mangalore, Karnataka, India and to assess the awareness of CBCT among dentists.
Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire of 23 multiple choice questions was given to 200 dentists working in reputed institutions in and around Mangalore .The questionnaire was given to the participants which took approximately 20 minutes for completion. Descriptive statistics was calculated in terms of frequencies and percentages.
Results: All the participants of the survey were aware of CBCT and considered it to be a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry. The participants also believed CBCT had lower radiation dose compared to medical CT and data reconstruction could be performed easily in CBCT. The majority of the participants also reported that adequate teaching was not imparted regarding CBCT in educational institutions but were willing to attend courses and update knowledge on CBCT if provided with opportunities.
Conclusion: CBCT has an important role in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial pathologies with reduction in radiation dose. The information obtained from the study highlighted the need for adapting to new technologies like CBCT and regular continuing education programmes, post graduate education courses, meetings and seminars are required to update dentists' knowledge. The study also highlighted majority of participants believed CBCT are the ultimate diagnostic tool in dentistry and research.
Keywords: CBCT; Knowledge; Attitude
Introduction
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is an imaging modality that has recently become useful for dento-maxillofacial imaging. When compared with conventional CT scanners, CBCT units cost less and require less space, have faster scan time, limit the beam to the head and neck with reduction in the radiation doses and have interactive display modes that offer maxillofacial imaging making them well suitable for use in dental practices [1,2 ]. CBCT has wide applications in dentistry [3]. In view of the increasing availability of CBCT in dental practices and the importance of dentist's attitudes towards new technologies, this survey assessed the knowledge and attitudes regarding CBCT among dentists (practitioners and academicians) in and around Mangalore.
Material and Methods
A self administered questionnaire of 23 multiple choice questions was given to 200 dentists working in reputed institutions in and around Mangalore (Table 1). The questionnaire was given to the participants who took approximately 20 minutes for completion. Descriptive statistics was calculated in terms of frequencies and percentages using the SPSS software.
Results
The present study used a questionnaire to gauge the level of knowledge regarding CBCT among dental practitioners (Table 1). In the present study, 41.5% were females, 8.4% were bachelors in dental surgery 91.6% had a master's degree and 58.5% were males, 16.2% were bachelor in dental surgery and 83.8% had master's degree (Table 2).
Table 1: Questionnaire used in the study.
Gender
Qualification
Total
B
M
F
7(8.4%)
76(91.6%)
83(41.5%)
M
19(16.2%)
98(83.8%)
117(58.5%)
Total
26(13.0%)
174(87.0%)
200(100.0%)
Table 2: Table showing gender (M/F) and qualification (B: Bachelor's degree; M: Master's degree) of study subjects.
Among 200 dentists surveyed, 83.5% use digital radiography for making radiographs and 16.5% did not use digital radiography for making radiographs (Table 3).
Yes
No
Use digital imaging modalities to make radiographs
167(83.5%)
33(16.5%)
Aware of CBCT in dental radiology
200(100.0%)
0
CBCT useful diagnostic tool
200(100.0%)
0
CBCT ultimate tool in future dentistry and research
54(27.0%)
146(73.0%)
Necessity of having CBCT in dental institutions
200(100.0%)
0
Adequate teaching given at under graduate students
153(76.5%)
47(23.5%)
Attended any courses related to CBCT
95(47.5%)
105(52.5%)
Advised CBCT for any diagnosis
82(41.0%)
118(59.0%)
Table 3: Showing opinion of the study subjects towards the necessity of CBCT.
100% felt the necessity of having CBCT in dental institutions and 83.5% wished to use CBCT in their future professional career. 53.5% felt lower radiation dose compared to medical CT as the main advantage which was in accordance with study conducted on endodontists [8] by Yalcinkaya SE et al.38% felt data reconstruction as the advantage (Table 3)
85.5% felt frequent CDES/ workshops should be conducted to acquire more knowledge on CBCT which was in accordance to Balabaskaran k et al [11]. 96% were willing to obtain any updated information on CBCT.53.5% of the participants did not attend any courses related to CBCT and 69% were willing to attend courses pertaining to CBCT (Table 4).
Y
N
Maybe
Frequent CDES should be conducted
171(85.5%)
0
29(14.5%)
CBCT in future career
167(83.5%)
0
33(16.5%)
Willingness to obtain updated information
192(96.0%)
0
8(4.0%)
Table 4: Showing response of the study subjects towards updating their knowledge about CBCT.
The reasons to use digital imaging were as follows: 42.5% believed less radiation dose, 23%-short time required to obtain images, 26%- easy to store data, 22%-no developing required, 6.5%- adjustments and measurements can be made. The reasons of not using digital imaging were CBCT being expensive in 98.5%. 100% of the participants were aware of CBCT in dental radiology 73.0% came across the term CBCT through seminars/workshops/CDE'S .100% of the participants felt CBCT is a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry. 27% felt CBCT will be the ultimate tool in future dentistry and researchwhereas73% felt it will not be the the ultimate tool. 42.5% believed CBCT will be used in routine dental practice in the future in all specialties of dentistry, 41.5% felt CBCT will be used in selected dental specialties only. 52.5% felt education regarding CBCT should be included in IV BDS, 41.5% in post graduation (Table 5).
N(%)
Reason to use digital imaging
(Q4)
Less radiation dose
85(42.5%)
Short time
46(23.0%)
Easy to store data
52(26.0%)
No developing required
44(22.0%)
Adjustments and measurements can be made
13(6.5%)
Satisfied with digital modality available (Q5)
Not at all
11(5.5%)
Little
48(24.0%)
No idea
2(1%)
Satisfied
139(69.5%)
Reason for not using digital imaging(Q6)
Expensive
197(98.5%)
Do not know to use computer
1(0.5%)
No idea
2(1.0%)
The term CBCT came across (Q8)
Seminar/workshop/CDE
146(73.0%)
Lessons by faculty
24(12%)
Internet
15(7.5%)
Seniors
13(6.5%)
Others
20(10.0%)
To what extent CBCT will be used in routine practice
(Q11)
Will not be used
2(1.0%)
In all specialities
85(42.5%)
Limited use
29(14.5%)
Selected field
83(41.5%)
No idea
1(0.5%)
Total
200(100%)
Table 5: Showing response of the study subjects towards digital imaging.
44.5% felt CBCT is useful in implant dentistrythe question regarding teaching in dental schools 76.5% felt adequate teaching was not given to the dental under graduate students regarding CBCT. 90% of the participants would prefer CBCT over CT for 3D imaging of head and neck region (Table 6).
N(%)
Preference when3Dimaging required (Q21)
CT
20(10.0%)
CBCT if available
180(90.0%)
Teaching of CBCT at under graduate level (Q12)
III BDS
16(8.0%)
IV BDS
105(52.5%)
PG
83(41.5%)
Advantages of CBCT over other modalities (Q16)
Lower radiation than CT
106(53.0%)
Short scan time
16(8.0%)
Processing easy
30(15.0%)
Less expensive
9(4.5%)
Data reconstruction can be performed
76(38.0%)
No idea
2(1.0%)
Cases to use CBCT (Q17)
Orthodontic Assessment
30(15.0%)
Implant dentistry
89(44.5%)
Evaluation of cysts and tumors
52(26.0%)
Evaluation of impacted teeth
47(23.5%)
Trauma cases
15(7.5%)
others
13(6.5%)
Table 6: Showing response of the study subjects towards applications of CBCT.
Discussion
The studies assessing dental practitioner's knowledge about dental radiology have focused mainly on digital systems and radiation protection in the past. The literature includes one study that evaluates the effectiveness of web-based instruction in the interpretation of anatomy using CBCT images. Little information appears in the literature regarding dental practitioner's knowledge and attitudes about CBCT [4-7]. The present study used a questionnaire to gauge the level of knowledge regarding CBCT among dental practitioners. Several studies have evaluated the popularity of digital imaging since the adoption of digital radiology in dental offices. One study reported that 14% of dental practitioners chose using digital radiography, but subsequent studies reported a higher percentage [8]. The questionnaire was developed with guidance of previous studies [9,10]. Among 200 dentists surveyed, 83.5% use digital radiography for making radiographs and 16.5% did not use digital radiography for making radiographs. The reasons of not using digital imaging were CBCT being expensive which was similar to the study done by Yalcinkaya SE et al. [8]. 100% of the participants were aware of CBCT in dental radiology similar to study done by Yalcinkaya SE et al. [8]. Majority of the participants came across the term CBCT through seminars/workshops/CDE'S was in accordance to Balabaskaran k et al. [11]. All of the participants felt CBCT is a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry.in the present study, 96% were willing to obtain any updated information on CBCT which was similar to study by Balabaskaran k et al. [11]. In a similar study done by Brian and Williamson, no developing process was stated as an most important factor to choose digital imaging [8]. In our study less radiation dose was the most important reason stated.
Conclusion
CBCT has an important role in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial pathologies with reduction in radiation dose. The information obtained from the study highlighted the need for adapting to new technologies like CBCT and regular continuing education programmes, post graduate education courses, meetings and seminars are required to update dentists' knowledge. The study also highlighted majority of participants believed CBCT is an useful diagnostic tool in dentistry and research. The study also highlighted that adequate teaching was not imparted regarding CBCT in educational institutions but were willing to attend courses and update knowledge on CBCT if provided with opportunities. Dental practitioners should prescribe CBCT imaging only when they expect that diagnostic yield will benefit patient care, enhance patient safety or improve clinical outcomes significantly.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank Virgo Solutions for funding the study.
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