May Lam1, Simon Critchley2, Alyssa Zhang1, Paul Monsour1. 1. Department of Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia. 2. Radiation Health Unit, Health Protection Unit, Queensland Department of Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This is a follow-up study to assess growth in the number of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR) machines in Australia. It is also the first study to evaluate the current status of both CBCT and PR education in Australia. METHODS: CBCT and PR machine numbers were obtained from the radiation regulators across Australia. Australian dental schools were surveyed via email. The number of machines relative to population size and the number of dentists were calculated. RESULTS: In 2020, there were 706 CBCT machines and 3,059 PR machines, representing a 204.3% increase in the number of CBCT machines and an 82.0% increase in the number of PR machines over six years. Majority of Australian dental schools owned PR and CBCT machines. Most taught PR acquisition and interpretation, however only one-third taught CBCT image acquisition and interpretation to predoctoral students. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT machine numbers increased by nearly three-fold while PR machines only increased by 1.6 times over a six-year period relative to population size and number of dentists. Only very few Australian dental schools provide CBCT education to predoctoral students, raising concern as to whether graduates are adequately trained upon program completion.
OBJECTIVES: This is a follow-up study to assess growth in the number of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR) machines in Australia. It is also the first study to evaluate the current status of both CBCT and PR education in Australia. METHODS: CBCT and PR machine numbers were obtained from the radiation regulators across Australia. Australian dental schools were surveyed via email. The number of machines relative to population size and the number of dentists were calculated. RESULTS: In 2020, there were 706 CBCT machines and 3,059 PR machines, representing a 204.3% increase in the number of CBCT machines and an 82.0% increase in the number of PR machines over six years. Majority of Australian dental schools owned PR and CBCT machines. Most taught PR acquisition and interpretation, however only one-third taught CBCT image acquisition and interpretation to predoctoral students. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT machine numbers increased by nearly three-fold while PR machines only increased by 1.6 times over a six-year period relative to population size and number of dentists. Only very few Australian dental schools provide CBCT education to predoctoral students, raising concern as to whether graduates are adequately trained upon program completion.
Authors: J Brown; R Jacobs; E Levring Jäghagen; C Lindh; G Baksi; D Schulze; R Schulze Journal: Dentomaxillofac Radiol Date: 2013-10-16 Impact factor: 2.419
Authors: Ivna A Lopes; Rosana M A Tucunduva; Roberta H Handem; Ana Lucia A Capelozza Journal: Dentomaxillofac Radiol Date: 2016-10-05 Impact factor: 2.419