CURRENT STATUS OF AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF DENTAL FRATERNITY TOWARDS CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN BARODA - A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate awareness, knowledge and attitude of dental fraternity toward cone beam computed tomography in Baroda, Gujarat. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions regarding digital radiography and CBCT was given to 200 dental fraternities practicing in Baroda. A questionnaire was mailed through google form. The attitude of present-day dental fraternity toward CBCT and difference in their response by education level were assessed with chi square test. Results: Out of 200 dentists, 36 respondents were excluded as they didn’t give feedback to the mailed questionnaire. Hence 164 questionnaires were analyzed. 94.5% dentists were using digital radiography. 5% dentists indicated that they didn’t use digital radiography owing to its high cost (67.5%). 79.9% dentists had attended the courses related to CBCT. According to 83.5% dentists, CBCT should be used in all area of dentistry. 94.5% of dentists had heard of CBCT. Of these, they said that they had learned about CBCT through faculty lessons (38.4%), in seminars (23.2%), through internet (34.1%). 88.4% preferred CBCT over CT when they needed 3D imaging. 64.4% thought that lectures regarding CBCT should be included in clinical phase of dental education. 94.5% dentists were willing to obtain updated information regarding CBCT. Conclusion: The results increase the scope of CBCT imaging in the field of modern dentistry. CBCT should be adopted by dentists and appropriate education should be provided to the dental students. Technical incompetence was shown as one of the reasons for not using the digital systems. Use of this technique will improve the diagnosis, treatment planning and outcomes