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Awareness and practice of 2D and 3D diagnostic imaging among dentists in Hong Kong

British Dental Journal volume 228, pages 701–709 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Aims To investigate the awareness and practice of 2D and 3D diagnostic imaging, including respective equipment, specifications, number of images acquired, indications for CBCT scans, preference between 2D and 3D imaging, and the confidence in acquiring and interpreting radiographic images among dentists in Hong Kong.

Materials and methods A citywide survey was performed with an online questionnaire that was sent via the local dental association to registered dentists in Hong Kong. The anonymous survey focused on: their dental background; number, type and age of their intra-oral, panoramic devices; CBCT indications, field-of-view and consideration of low-dose protocols; and their confidence in taking and interpreting these images.

Results From the feedback collected, 65% of dentists used digital intra-oral systems. Around 70% of respondents who perform CBCTs utilised low-dose protocols to reduce radiation dose. Age and years of practising dentistry were significant influencing factors in determining dentists' utilisation of low-dose protocols for CBCT devices. Male dentists and dentists with higher qualifications generally reported being more confident in taking and interpreting CBCT images. Dentists who were older and had more years of practising dentistry were generally more confident in interpreting CBCT images.

Conclusion Only half of the dentists feel confident in taking and interpreting CBCT images, and there seems to be a limited knowledge of radiation dose-related risks. Therefore, continuous professional education should specifically focus on the potential of digital imaging and training in CBCT modalities, radiation dose protection and image interpretation.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Hong Kong Dental Association and its immediate past president, Dr Haston Liu, for promoting the survey to the local dental community.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Andy Wai Kan Yeung & Ray Tanaka

  2. OMFS IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

    Reinhilde Jacobs

  3. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Oral Health & Medicine, University Centre for Dental Medicine Basel UZB, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    Michael M. Bornstein

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The authors thank Planmeca Oy (Helsinki, Finland) for the financial support to conduct this survey.

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Correspondence to Andy Wai Kan Yeung.

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Yeung, A., Tanaka, R., Jacobs, R. et al. Awareness and practice of 2D and 3D diagnostic imaging among dentists in Hong Kong. Br Dent J 228, 701–709 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1451-8

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