A survey on knowledge of CBCT in dentistry among under graduate dental students

Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an advanced technology, in which conical beam is used in conventional computed CT. In CBCT, volumetric data are collected by the rotation of beams and detectors around the area of interest. The principal aids of CBCT are in the smaller footprint of the machine and lower radiation dose. The knowledge of this imaging modality is limited and hence the utilization in clinical practice is not fully attained. Aim: The current study aims to assess the knowledge on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) among undergraduate dental students of Saveetha Dental college and hospitals in Chennai and their willingness to use CBCT in their future dental practice. Material and Methods: A self structured questionnaire was formed and sent to the undergraduate students of Saveetha Dental college. The data collected were analysed using SPSS Software. Comparison between the groups was done by Chi square test with the significance p<0.05. Results: Most of the participants suggested that CBCT is more effective than OPG in detecting the pathologies of jaws and was statistically significant with the Chi-square test showing, p=0.02 < 0.05. Majorityresponse regarding common indication was tumour or cyst cases and was statistically significant with Chi-square test showing, p= 0.03 < 0.05. Almost all the participants considered CBCT as an advantage due to its shorter scanning time and was statistically not significant with Chi-square test showing, p= 0.3 > 0.05. Conclusion: This study concludes that the students had an average level of knowledge about CBCT. Hence it is necessary to conduct qualification programs for dentists to strengthen their awareness toward cone-beam computed tomography.