Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists and Dental Students Towards Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

The selection of an appropriate imaging or diagnostic technique is an important therapeutic step, which protects patients from the harmful effects of radiation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dentists and dental students towards cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

This analytical-descriptive study evaluated a closed-ended questionnaire consisting of 16 questions, which was given to 100 participants, including faculty members, postgraduate students, and interns of our institution. Their response was analyzed by chi-square test.

In total, 100 questionnaires were analyzed. The mean age of the study population was 31.43±18 years (range: 23-45 years). Approximately 94% of the participants knew that the radiation dosage of CBCT is lower than that of CT. They obtained knowledge about CBCT through the committed dose equivalent (CDE), journals, seminars, internet, etc. Approximately 40% of the participants preferred CBCT scans for implant placement, 24% for trauma, 22% for cysts and tumors, and 14% for root canal treatment. About 54% of the participants considered CBCT as a part of the oral medicine and radiology domain and considered it necessary in oral and maxillofacial radiology departments only.

This study showed that the participants had the knowledge and a positive attitude towards the regular use of CBCT for various clinical applications. This study also suggests that CBCT training of dental students helps all dentists to improve the precision and reliability of oral and maxillofacial-related diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis by effectual use of this technology.