A Wenzel1, A Møystad. 1. Department of Oral Radiology, Royal Dental College, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate Norwegian general dental practitioners' decision criteria and characteristics for choosing digital radiographic equipment. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all dental practitioners in Norway (n = 3940). They were categorised on the basis of their responses as either a 'digital radiography' (DR) or 'non-digital radiography' (non-DR) dentist. Demographic, clinical, and electronic technology variables were recorded. Dentists ranked on a six-point scale their reasons for choosing or not choosing digital radiography. Their responses were analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Two thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine dentists (56%) replied. Three hundred and nine (14%), (219 men, 86 women and four not stated) had chosen to use digital radiography. The logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, age and years in dentistry were not significant factors in determining their decision, whereas working in a private or group practice was. The number of computers in the practice was the most important of the electronic technology variables. The non-DR dentists strongly agreed that 'digital radiography is too expensive' and were 'satisfied with film'. The DR dentists strongly agreed that the 'use of chemicals can be avoided', 'patient dose is reduced', and 'archiving is facilitated'. CONCLUSION: Working in a private or group practice or using multiple computers were significant factors in choosing digital radiography.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate Norwegian general dental practitioners' decision criteria and characteristics for choosing digital radiographic equipment. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all dental practitioners in Norway (n = 3940). They were categorised on the basis of their responses as either a 'digital radiography' (DR) or 'non-digital radiography' (non-DR) dentist. Demographic, clinical, and electronic technology variables were recorded. Dentists ranked on a six-point scale their reasons for choosing or not choosing digital radiography. Their responses were analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Two thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine dentists (56%) replied. Three hundred and nine (14%), (219 men, 86 women and four not stated) had chosen to use digital radiography. The logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, age and years in dentistry were not significant factors in determining their decision, whereas working in a private or group practice was. The number of computers in the practice was the most important of the electronic technology variables. The non-DR dentists strongly agreed that 'digital radiography is too expensive' and were 'satisfied with film'. The DR dentists strongly agreed that the 'use of chemicals can be avoided', 'patient dose is reduced', and 'archiving is facilitated'. CONCLUSION: Working in a private or group practice or using multiple computers were significant factors in choosing digital radiography.
Authors: Karla Rovaris; Karla de Faria Vasconcelos; Eduarda Helena Leandro do Nascimento; Matheus Lima Oliveira; Deborah Queiroz Freitas; Francisco Haiter-Neto Journal: Imaging Sci Dent Date: 2016-12-20