Evaluation of frequency of use of digital radiography and the reasons for using or not using digital imaging among dentists in Esfahan in 2012

Use of digital radiography in dentistry, as a new imaging technique, continues to increase. A digital system has numerous advantages. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the use of digital radiography and the reasons for using or not using digital imaging systems among dentists in Esfahan in 2012. In the present descriptive/analytical survey, 140 dentists who participated in continuing education courses in 2012 were randomly included. The participants received a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions and filled it on the spot. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16 using chi-squared test and t-test (α=0.05). Ten responders (7.2%) had digital equipment in their office; 104 dentists (74.8%) prescribed digital radiographs for referring patients to radiology centers. The most important reasons for using digital systems by the respondents were no need for film processing steps, absence of artifacts due to film processing procedures and low radiation doses. There were no significant differences between the users and non-users of digital systems in relation to educational degree (general practitioner or specialist) and years in dentistry (p value = 0.619, years in dentistry; p value = 0.45, educational degree). Under the limitations of the present study, although the frequency of the use of digital radiographic systems is low in dental offices in Esfahan, it is advisable top order digital radiographs when referring patients to radiology centers. Lack of need for film processing steps and high costs are the reasons for using and not using digital systems, respectively.