Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a specific orthodontic community's knowledge and understanding of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology as well as awareness of the implications of CBCT use, including risk assessment, radiation dose estimation, diagnostic utility, and issues of informed consent. It is incumbent on the profession to understand how practitioners view this technology as it gains popularity and ease of use. Materials and Methods: A 21-question survey with 13 additional demographic questions was distributed to several different populations affiliated with Loma Linda University School of Dentistry: 1) undergraduate dental students, 2) students in specialty programs (orthodontics, implant, oral surgery), and 3) orthodontic alumni. The survey tried to gain understanding of practitioners' knowledge of radiation dosage related to CBCT, diagnostic usage, and explore ethical issues such as informed consent, clinical and diagnostic utility, and the influence of business and market forces on CBCT usage. Results were compiled and examined using non-parametric statistical tests (Independent Samples Kruskal-Wallis and Independent Samples Median) and post-hoc comparisons (Bonferroni, pairwise comparisons) to compare effects of education, time in practice since residency completion, frequency of CBCT use, age, gender, and dental specialty. Results and Conclusions: Level of education in dentistry, specialty training, years since completion of residency, age, and frequency of use of CBCT were all related to performance on Part 2 of the CBCT survey. Responses to Part 1 questions were similar among orthodontic alumni, however, significant differences were noted among intergroup comparisons when evaluating the questions in Part 1 of the CBCT Survey. Technical, objective knowledge of CBCT is related to subjective, value judgments about CBCT implementation with patients.

LLU Discipline

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Department

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

School

School of Dentistry

First Advisor

Leggitt, V. Leroy

Second Advisor

Carr, Mark

Third Advisor

Caruso, Joseph M.

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

January 2011

Date (Title Page)

9-1-2011

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Orthodontics; Loma Linda University - School of Dentistry; Radiography, Dental, Digital - Methods; Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed

Subject - Local

Dentofacial Orthopedics

Type

Thesis

Page Count

74 p.

Digital Format

Application/PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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