Abstract :
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a specific medical 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. 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 10-question survey was distributed to several different populations. 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).
Results and Conclusions: Level of education in medicine, 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. Significant differences were noted among intergroup comparisons when evaluating the questions of the CBCT Survey. Technical, objective knowledge of CBCT is related to subjective, value judgments about CBCT implementation with patients.
Keyword :
CBCT, Knowledge, Kruskal-Wallis, Radiation