Orthodontists' Awareness of the Radiation Dose of Cone Beam CT Scans (CBCT) in Orthodontics and Its Influence on the Use of CBCT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) by orthodontists in the USA and the orthodontists' awareness of the radiation dose of cone beam CT scans compared to 2D radiographs. A survey was developed using the Qualtrics platform and disseminated to orthodontists practicing in the US. A second survey was distributed amongst the orthodontics post graduate program directors to report the use and training on CBCT scans during orthodontic programs. From the 161 orthodontists who responded to the first survey, almost half of them indicated that they use CBCT scans routinely. 47% reported that they believe that the CBCT scans have equal or lower radiation than a combination of the traditional 2D radiographs (panoramic plus cephalometric radiograph). Not providing additional information (42.2%) was the most common reason preventing orthodontists from prescribing CBCT scans followed by lack of access (34.8%), radiation (33.5%), cost (27.3%), never prevented (26.1%), insurance (13%), patient being child/adolescent (11.8%). From the 15 program directors who responded to the second survey, 53.3% indicated that they have direct access to a CBCT scan in the graduate orthodontic clinic and 46.7% indicated that they refer their patients to another clinic. 13.3% indicated that they use a CBCT scan on 100% of all their patients. The most common number of hours of training on radiation safety was 1-2 hours (46.2%) was followed by 3-5 hours (38.5%) and none (15.4%). The lack of clinicians' knowledge of radiation exposure, as well as their reported limited training in CBCT use suggest that there is a pressing need for enhanced education regarding CBCT radiation safety.