ISRA May 2022

The Use and Knowledge of Cone-Beam-Computerized-Tomography by Dentists in Israel

Ragda Abdalla-Aslan 1,2,3 Galit Almoznino 3 Liad Moskovitz 1 Chen Nadler 1,3
1Oral Maxillofacial Imaging Unit, Oral Medicine, Sedation & Maxillofacial Imaging,, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Israel
2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rambam Health Care Campus, Israel
3Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation & Maxillofacial Imaging, Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Israel

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the use and knowledge of Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) among Israeli dentists and to examine the associations between the CBCT use and knowledge to age, experience and former education.

Methods: An anonymous survey including demographics, knowledge and usage questionnaire was distributed to Israeli dentists in 4 conferences and via our faculty email list.

Results: The study included 387 responders, most were specialists (58.1%) and Hadassah graduates (68.5%). Of these, 93% refer for CBCT with main indications of dental implants (64.6%) and impacted third molars (58.1%). Most request cross-sectional images (75.5%) and DICOM files (59.2%). About a third (29.5%) replied that they always read the full scan volume and most (61%) underwent CBCT reading training. The majority of responders (76.7%) passed the knowledge test. Young age and academic training were positively correlated with the knowledge test (p<0.001). Almost all responders (93.8%) were aware of the possibility of incidental findings, mostly (84.8%) encountered them at least once and usually (79.3%) referred them for further consultation. Almost all responders showed an interest in a written interpretation report. Most (69.3%) were interested in CBCT training, and almost all (91.2%) believed that pre-purchase CBCT course should be mandatory.

Conclusions: with the limitation of the sample bias, Israeli dentists present satisfactory knowledge of the CBCT technology and awareness of the possibility of incidental findings within the scan, especially in young graduates. This may be due to the recent implementation of CBCT courses. This study highlights the need for improved availability of interpretation services in Israel as well as CBCT post-graduate training among both general practitioners as well as specialists.