Radiographic equipment and techniques used in general dental practice: a survey of general dental practitioners in England and Wales

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the self-reported use of panoramic radiography, D- and E-speed film, rectangular collimation, film holders, equipment fitted with a long spacer cone (>200 mm) and the bisecting angle and paralleling techniques by general dental practitioners and to see if use was related to the dentists' age and postgraduate qualifications.

Methods: Three mailings of a self-completion questionnaire were circulated to 800 general dental practitioners working in the National Health General Dental Service in England and Wales.

Results: A response rate of 74% was achieved. Sixty-one percent of general dental practitioners reported use of panoramic equipment. Fifty percent of dentists always used E-speed film and 18% always used rectangular collimation. Sixty-eight percent of dentists always used bitewing film holders though fewer (37%) used periapical film holders. Sixty-three percent of dentists always used a long cone. The bisecting angle technique was used by 70% of dentists with 22% always using this technique for periapical radiographs. Thirty-one percent always used the paralleling technique. Use of panoramic equipment, periapical film holders, bisecting angle and paralleling techniques were associated with the dentists' age. Use of periapical film holders, bisecting angle and paralleling techniques and rectangular collimation were associated with dentists' postgraduate qualifications.

Conclusions: There are several features of radiographic equipment and techniques that can aid high quality imaging and reduce patient dose. Although a number of these are being used in general dental practice in England and Wales they have yet to achieve universal adoption.