The usage of digital radiography and cone beam computed tomography among Turkish dentists

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the use of digital radiography and report how it was used by Turkish dentists. Methods: The survey was based on 383 dentists who were present at the sixteenth International Congress organized by the Turkish Dental Association. A questionnaire which consisted of 19 questions was given to the dentists who participated in the study. Data were assessed according to frequency distribution and the chi(2) test was used to determine the significance of differences between two independent groups. Results: 376 questionnaires were analysed. The mean age of the dentists who participated in the study was 37.14 +/- 9.6 years (range: 20-63 years). The distribution of the dentists according to the 7 regions of Turkey were: Marmara 58%, Aegean 13% and Mediterranean 10%, Central Anatolia 8%, Black Sea 7%, Southeastern Anatolia 3%, Eastern Anatolia 1%. 124 dentists (33%) said they did not work with digital radiography. 95 dentists indicated that they did not use digital radiography owing to cost (60%). 252 dentists (67%) said they used digital radiography. 40% of the participants noted that the repetition of periapical radiographs was due to digital radiography. 166 dentists (55.9%) and 79.1% academicians had knowledge about cone beam CT (CBCT). Conclusion: Digital radiography users are increasing in Turkey and levels of knowledge of CBCT and awareness of radiation safety has also increased. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2011) 40, 379-384. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/27837552