Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists towards Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Mangalore – A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Abstract Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of dentists towards CBCT in Mangalore, Karnataka, India and to assess the awareness of CBCT among dentists. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire of 23 multiple choice questions was given to 200 dentists working in reputed institutions in and around Mangalore .The questionnaire was given to the participants which took approximately 20 minutes for completion. Descriptive statistics was calculated in terms of frequencies and percentages. Results: All the participants of the survey were aware of CBCT and considered it to be a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry. The participants also believed CBCT had lower radiation dose compared to medical CT and data reconstruction could be performed easily in CBCT. The majority of the participants also reported that adequate teaching was not imparted regarding CBCT in educational institutions but were willing to attend courses and update knowledge on CBCT if provided with opportunities. Conclusion: CBCT has an important role in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial pathologies with reduction in radiation dose. The information obtained from the study highlighted the need for adapting to new technologies like CBCT and regular continuing education programmes, post graduate education courses, meetings and seminars are required to update dentists’ knowledge. The study also highlighted majority of participants believed CBCT are the ultimate diagnostic tool in dentistry and research

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Citation: Shetty SR, Castelino RL, Babu SG, Prasanna, Laxmana AR and Roopashri K. Knowledge and Attitude
of Dentists towards Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Mangalore – A Questionnaire Survey. Austin J Radiol.
2015;2(2): 1016.
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Shetty et al. © All rights are reserved
Austin Journal of Radiology
Open Access
Abstract
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the
knowledge and attitude of dentists towards CBCT in Mangalore, Karnataka,
India and to assess the awareness of CBCT among dentists.
Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire of 23 multiple
choice questions was given to 200 dentists working in reputed institutions in and
around Mangalore .The questionnaire was given to the participants which took
approximately 20 minutes for completion. Descriptive statistics was calculated
in terms of frequencies and percentages.
Results: All the participants of the survey were aware of CBCT and
considered it to be a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry. The participants
also believed CBCT had lower radiation dose compared to medical CT and
data reconstruction could be performed easily in CBCT. The majority of the
participants also reported that adequate teaching was not imparted regarding
CBCT in educational institutions but were willing to attend courses and update
knowledge on CBCT if provided with opportunities.
Conclusion: CBCT has an important role in the diagnosis of oral and
maxillofacial pathologies with reduction in radiation dose. The information
obtained from the study highlighted the need for adapting to new technologies
like CBCT and regular continuing education programmes, post graduate
education courses, meetings and seminars are required to update dentists’
knowledge. The study also highlighted majority of participants believed CBCT
are the ultimate diagnostic tool in dentistry and research.
Keywords: CBCT; Knowledge; Attitude
Results
e present study used a questionnaire to gauge the level of
knowledge regarding CBCT among dental practitioners (Table 1). In
the present study, 41.5% were females, 8.4% were bachelors in dental
surgery 91.6% had a master’s degree and 58.5% were males, 16.2%
were bachelor in dental surgery and 83.8% had master’s degree (Table
2).
Among 200 dentists surveyed, 83.5% use digital radiography for
making radiographs and 16.5% did not use digital radiography for
making radiographs (Table 3).
100% felt the necessity of having CBCT in dental institutions
and 83.5% wished to use CBCT in their future professional career.
53.5% felt lower radiation dose compared to medical CT as the
main advantage which was in accordance with study conducted on
endodontists [8] by Yalcinkaya SE et al.38% felt data reconstruction
as the advantage (Table 3)
85.5% felt frequent CDES/ workshops should be conducted
to acquire more knowledge on CBCT which was in accordance to
Balabaskaran k et al [11]. 96% were willing to obtain any updated
Introduction
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is an imaging modality that has recently
become useful for dento-maxillofacial imaging. When compared
with conventional CT scanners, CBCT units cost less and require less
space, have faster scan time, limit the beam to the head and neck with
reduction in the radiation doses and have interactive display modes
that oer maxillofacial imaging making them well suitable for use in
dental practices [1,2 ]. CBCT has wide applications in dentistry [3].
In view of the increasing availability of CBCT in dental practices and
the importance of dentist’s attitudes towards new technologies, this
survey assessed the knowledge and attitudes regarding CBCT among
dentists (practitioners and academicians) in and around Mangalore.
Material and Methods
A self administered questionnaire of 23 multiple choice questions
was given to 200 dentists working in reputed institutions in and
around Mangalore (Table 1). e questionnaire was given to the
participants who took approximately 20 minutes for completion.
Descriptive statistics was calculated in terms of frequencies and
percentages using the SPSS soware.
Research Article
Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists towards Cone Beam
Computed Tomography in Mangalore – A Questionnaire
Survey
Shishir Ram Shetty1*, Renita Lorina Castelino2,
Subhas G Babu2, Prasanna3, Anusha Rangare
Laxmana4 and Roopashri K5
1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Gulf
medical University, United Arab Emirates
2Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nitte
University, India
3Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya
University, India
4Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Century
International Institute of Dental Sciences and Research
Centre, India
5Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, A J
Institute of Dental Sciences, India
*Corresponding author: Shishir Ram Shetty,
Department of Oral Medicine And Radiology, Gulf
medical university, Ajmaan, United Arab Emirates, Tel:
971556491740; Email: drshishirshetty@gmail.com
Received: February 24, 2015; Accepted: March 18,
2015; Published: March 20, 2015

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Questionnaire:
1) Gender:
a) Male b) female
2) Qualication:
a) BDS b) MDS (specify department).................................... c) Intern
3) Do you use digital imaging modalities to make radiographs?
a) yes b) no
4) Please specify your reasons to use digital imaging?
a) less radiation dose
b) short time
c) easy to store data
d) no developing required
e) adjustments and measurements can be made
f) Any other specify
5) Are you satised with the digital imaging modality available to you?
a) not at all b) a little c) no idea d) satised
6) Please check the reasons of not using digital imaging
a) expensive b) do not know how to use computer c) no idea d)hard to perform
7) Are you aware of CBCT in dental radiology?
a) Yes b) no
8) How did you come across the term CBCT
a) Seminars/workshops/CDE
b) Lessons by faculty
c) Internet
d) Seniors
e) Others (specify)
9) Do you feel CBCT is a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry
a) Yes b) no
10) Do you feel CBCT will be the ultimate tool in future dentistry and research?
a) Yes b) no
11) To what extent do you believe CBCT will be used in routine dental practice in the future?
a) It will not be used
b) In all specialties of dentistry
c) Limited use
d) Selected dental applications only
e) No idea
12) In which year of under graduate dental education should CBCT be included?
a) III BDS b) IV BDS C) post graduationost d) not required
13) Do you feel frequent CDE/workshop should be conducted to acquire more knowledge on CBCT?
a) Yes b) no c) maybe
14) Do you feel the necessity of having CBCT in the dental instituition?
a) Yes b) no
15) Would you like to use CBCT in your future professional career?
a) Yes b) no c) maybe d) no idea
16) What advantages do you feel will a CBCT offer over other diagnostic imaging modalities?
a) Lower radiation dose compared to medical CT
b) Short scanning time
c) Image processing easier due to limited beam
d) Less expensive
e) Data reconstruction can be performed on a personal computer
f) No idea
17) For what cases would you like to use CBCT in your future professional career?
a) Orthodontic assessment
b) Implant dentistry
c) Evaluation of cysts and tumors
d) Evaluation of impacted teeth
Table 1: Questionnaire used in the study.

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Gender Qualication Total
B M
F 7(8.4%) 76(91.6%) 83(41.5%)
M 19(16.2%) 98(83.8%) 117(58.5%)
Total 26(13.0%) 174(87.0%) 200(100.0%)
Table 2: Table showing gender (M/F) and qualication (B: Bachelor’s degree;
M: Master’s degree) of study subjects.
Yes No
Use digital imaging modalities to make
radiographs 167(83.5%) 33(16.5%)
Aware of CBCT in dental radiology 200(100.0%) 0
CBCT useful diagnostic tool 200(100.0%) 0
CBCT ultimate tool in future dentistry and
research 54(27.0%) 146(73.0%)
Necessity of having CBCT in dental institutions 200(100.0%) 0
Adequate teaching given at under graduate
students 153(76.5%) 47(23.5%)
Attended any courses related to CBCT 95(47.5%) 105(52.5%)
Advised CBCT for any diagnosis 82(41.0%) 118(59.0%)
Table 3: Showing opinion of the study subjects towards the necessity of CBCT.
Y N Maybe
Frequent CDES
should be
conducted 171(85.5%) 0 29(14.5%)
CBCT in future
career 167(83.5%) 033(16.5%)
Willingness to
obtain updated
information 192(96.0%) 08(4.0%)
Table 4: Showing response of the study subjects towards updating their
knowledge about CBCT.
41.5% felt CBCT will be used in selected dental specialties only. 52.5%
felt education regarding CBCT should be included in IV BDS, 41.5%
in post graduation (Table 5).
44.5% felt CBCT is useful in implant dentistrythe question
regarding teaching in dental schools 76.5% felt adequate teaching
was not given to the dental under graduate students regarding CBCT.
90% of the participants would prefer CBCT over CT for 3D imaging
of head and neck region (Table 6).
Discussion
e studies assessing dental practitioner’s knowledge about
dental radiology have focused mainly on digital systems and radiation
protection in the past. e literature includes one study that evaluates
the eectiveness of web-based instruction in the interpretation of
anatomy using CBCT images. Little information appears in the
literature regarding dental practitioner’s knowledge and attitudes
about CBCT [4-7]. e present study used a questionnaire to gauge
the level of knowledge regarding CBCT among dental practitioners.
Several studies have evaluated the popularity of digital imaging since
the adoption of digital radiology in dental oces. One study reported
that 14% of dental practitioners chose using digital radiography,
but subsequent studies reported a higher percentage [8]. e
questionnaire was developed with guidance of previous studies
[9,10]. Among 200 dentists surveyed, 83.5% use digital radiography
for making radiographs and 16.5% did not use digital radiography
for making radiographs. e reasons of not using digital imaging
were CBCT being expensive which was similar to the study done by
Yalcinkaya SE et al. [8]. 100% of the participants were aware of CBCT
in dental radiology similar to study done by Yalcinkaya SE et al. [8].
Majority of the participants came across the term CBCT through
seminars/workshops/CDE’S was in accordance to Balabaskaran k et
al. [11]. All of the participants felt CBCT is a useful diagnostic tool in
dentistry.in the present study, 96% were willing to obtain any updated
information on CBCT which was similar to study by Balabaskaran
k et al. [11]. In a similar study done by Brian and Williamson, no
developing process was stated as an most important factor to choose
digital imaging [8]. In our study less radiation dose was the most
important reason stated.
Conclusion
CBCT has an important role in the diagnosis of oral and
maxillofacial pathologies with reduction in radiation dose. e
e) Trauma cases
f) Any other(specify)
18) Is adequate teaching given to the dental under graduate students regarding CBCT by the faculty?
a) Yes b) no
19) Have you attended any courses related to CBCT?
a) Yes b) No
20) Are you willing to attend courses pertaining to CBCT?
a) Yes b) no c) maybe if within budget
21) Which one do you prefer when you need 3D imaging of head and neck region?
a) CT b)CBCT if available
22) Have you ever adviced CBCT for any diagnosis?
a) Yes b) no
23) Are you willing to obtain any updated information regarding CBCT?
a) Yes b)no c) maybe
information on CBCT.53.5% of the participants did not attend any
courses related to CBCT and 69% were willing to attend courses
pertaining to CBCT (Table 4).
e reasons to use digital imaging were as follows: 42.5% believed
less radiation dose, 23%-short time required to obtain images, 26%-
easy to store data, 22%-no developing required, 6.5%- adjustments and
measurements can be made. e reasons of not using digital imaging
were CBCT being expensive in 98.5%. 100% of the participants were
aware of CBCT in dental radiology 73.0% came across the term CBCT
through seminars/workshops/CDE’S .100% of the participants felt
CBCT is a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry. 27% felt CBCT will be
the ultimate tool in future dentistry and researchwhereas73% felt it
will not be the the ultimate tool. 42.5% believed CBCT will be used
in routine dental practice in the future in all specialties of dentistry,

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N(%)
Preference when3Dimaging required (Q21) CT 20(10.0%)
CBCT if available 180(90.0%)
Teaching of CBCT at under graduate level (Q12)
III BDS 16(8.0%)
IV BDS 105(52.5%)
PG 83(41.5%)
Advantages of CBCT over other modalities (Q16)
Lower radiation than CT 106(53.0%)
Short scan time 16(8.0%)
Processing easy 30(15.0%)
Less expensive 9(4.5%)
Data reconstruction can be performed 76(38.0%)
No idea 2(1.0%)
Cases to use CBCT (Q17)
Orthodontic Assessment 30(15.0%)
Implant dentistry 89(44.5%)
Evaluation of cysts and tumors 52(26.0%)
Evaluation of impacted teeth 47(23.5%)
Trauma cases 15(7.5%)
others 13(6.5%)
Table 6: Showing response of the study subjects towards applications of CBCT.
N(%)
Reason to use digital imaging
(Q4)
Less radiation dose 85(42.5%)
Short time 46(23.0%)
Easy to store data 52(26.0%)
No developing required 44(22.0%)
Adjustments and measurements can be made 13(6.5%)
Satised with digital modality available (Q5)
Not at all 11(5.5%)
Little 48(24.0%)
No idea 2(1%)
Satised 139(69.5%)
Reason for not using digital imaging(Q6)
Expensive 197(98.5%)
Do not know to use computer 1(0.5%)
No idea 2(1.0%)
The term CBCT came across (Q8)
Seminar/workshop/CDE 146(73.0%)
Lessons by faculty 24(12%)
Internet 15(7.5%)
Seniors 13(6.5%)
Others 20(10.0%)
To what extent CBCT will be used in routine practice
(Q11)
Will not be used 2(1.0%)
In all specialities 85(42.5%)
Limited use 29(14.5%)
Selected eld 83(41.5%)
No idea 1(0.5%)
Total 200(100%)
Table 5: Showing response of the study subjects towards digital imaging.
information obtained from the study highlighted the need for
adapting to new technologies like CBCT and regular continuing
education programmes, post graduate education courses, meetings
and seminars are required to update dentists’ knowledge. e study
also highlighted majority of participants believed CBCT is an useful
diagnostic tool in dentistry and research. e study also highlighted
that adequate teaching was not imparted regarding CBCT in
educational institutions but were willing to attend courses and
update knowledge on CBCT if provided with opportunities. Dental
practitioners should prescribe CBCT imaging only when they expect
that diagnostic yield will benet patient care, enhance patient safety
or improve clinical outcomes signicantly.

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Acknowledgement
e authors would like to thank Virgo Solutions for funding the
study.
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Citation: Shetty SR, Castelino RL, Babu SG, Prasanna, Laxmana AR and Roopashri K. Knowledge and Attitude
of Dentists towards Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Mangalore – A Questionnaire Survey. Austin J Radiol.
2015;2(2): 1016.
Austin J Radiol - Volume 2 Issue 2 - 2015
Submit your Manuscript | www.austinpublishinggroup.com
Shetty et al. © All rights are reserved