Current practice in the use of cone beam computed tomography: a survey of UK dental practices

Abstract

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. IN BRIEF Presents an overview of the current use of CBCT in UK dental practices  Suggests that most CBCT examinations are small field of view scans for adult patients in the context of implant dentistry  Raises some questions about knowledge of exposure factors and the training for clinical evaluation of CBCT images

Dermal filler dangers

“…Sir, we read with interest your recent publication on the current practice in the use of cone beam CT in UK dental practices. 1 Although it is difficult to generalise based on the limited sample of respondents in this study, we share the concerns of the authors regarding the interpretation and reporting of CBCT scans. We would like to share our experience of referrals and associated imaging received in secondary care.…”

“…Once the root of the tooth is deemed to be involved with the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal radiographically, there is a 20% risk of the patient developing temporary IANI and a 1-4% risk of developing permanent IANI with surgical removal. 1 With the push by managing bodies to find cost effective alternatives to providing high quality care, there have been oral surgery contracts commissioned to provide services in primary care settings, which are usually delivered by secondary care providers, through specialist dentists or dentists with specialist interests.…”

Dental radiology reporting status and recording frequency of reporting items in Korea

“…Another concern is that hybrid panoramic/CBCT scanners have become more prevalent. 15 Hybrid CBCT scanners are relatively low-cost compared with dedicated CBCT scanners, and even comparable to the price of digital panoramic scanners. Hybrid CBCT scanners allow dentists to take in-clinic CBCT images directly instead of through external referrals, and to have the chance to make additional income.…”

Evaluation of Third Molar Maturity Index by Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Legal Age Estimation

“…In recent years, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an effective diagnostic tool for evaluating dentition. [35][36][37] Some previous studies have demonstrated the advantages of CBCT in estimating dental age based on metric measurements in adults and children. [38][39][40][41] Some recent studies have investigated the use of CBCT to estimate the age of children and adults.…”

“…However, OPTs have disadvantages, such as distortion, magnification, and lack of cross-sectional data, and are limited in ensuring the accuracy of a 3-dimensional (3D) object. In recent years, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an effective diagnostic tool for evaluating dentition 35–37 . Some previous studies have demonstrated the advantages of CBCT in estimating dental age based on metric measurements in adults and children 38–41 .…”