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Awareness and practice of dentomaxillofacial imaging among paediatric dentists: a questionnaire survey of members of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry

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Abstract

Objectives

Assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of paediatric dentists towards dentomaxillofacial imaging and correlate findings with practitioner and practice-specific characteristics.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to all paediatric dentists who attended a scientific seminar organized by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) regarding dental radiology. Data regarding available equipment, number, type and reason for performing radiographs, frequency and reasoning for retakes were collected. Data analysis was performed according to practitioner- and practice-specific characteristics and factors directly associated with the type and frequency of radiographs taken, and reason and frequency of repeats were determined. Significant differences were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

More than half of the participants (58%) reported having digital radiographic equipment and almost 1/4 (23%) conventional. A panoramic equipment was available in 39% working places and a CBCT scanner in 41%. Two thirds of the participants reported taking up to 10 intra-oral radiographs per week, mainly for trauma (75%) and caries diagnosis (47%). Extra-oral radiographs were prescribed to monitor development (75%) and for orthodontic evaluation, (63%) with a frequency of less than 5 weekly (45%). Participants reported that they repeat radiographs in a frequency of < 5 per week (70%) mainly due to patient’s movement (55%).

Conclusions

The majority of paediatric dentists within Europe use digital imaging equipment for both intra- and extra-oral radiographs. Nevertheless, great variation in practices exists and, therefore, continuous education in oral imaging is crucial to maintain high quality standards for the radiographic examination of patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2 Thivon Str., Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece

    Sotiria Gizani, Kyriaki Seremidi & Sofia Gkourtsogianni

  2. Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2 Thivon Str., Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece

    Anastasia Mitsea

Authors
  1. Sotiria Gizani
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  2. Kyriaki Seremidi
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Correspondence to Sotiria Gizani.

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Gizani, S., Seremidi, K., Gkourtsogianni, S. et al. Awareness and practice of dentomaxillofacial imaging among paediatric dentists: a questionnaire survey of members of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Oral Radiol 39, 576–587 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11282-023-00675-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11282-023-00675-w

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