Experiences and Attitudes of Dentists with Different Demographic Characteristics Towards Dental Photography

Abstract

Objective: Dental photography is used for such purposes as the evaluation of treatment process, providing patients with information and motivating them, education/academic activities, and medico-legal recording. To investigate the prevalence of dental photography use and the experiences and attitudes of dentists with different demographic characteristics towards dental photography.
 Methods: An online survey consisting of three parts as, which are demographic characteristics (age, sex, professional experience, institution of employment, and professional qualification), experiences, and attitudes of dentists towards dental photography, was prepared. A link of the survey was randomly sent to dentists by researchers. Descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square tests were used.
 Results: A total of 444 volunteer participants (female:56.8%; male:43.2%) were included in the study. Dental photography was seen to be used by 66.7% of the participants. The prevalence of dental photography use was higher in specialist dentists than in general dental practitioners.
 A statistically significant difference was found between the demographic characteristics and purpose of using dental photography and the considered receiving training on dental photography.
 Conclusion: The prevalence of dental photography use was 66.7%. The experiences and attitudes of dentists towards dental photography can be diverse according to demographic characteristics.