Evaluation of knowledge of dental practitioners in Tabriz about indications of panoramic radiography in 2007-2008

Abstract

Panoramic imaging are most useful clinically for diagnostic problems requiring board coverage of the jaws. These radiographs do not display fine anatomic details and not useful for tasks require high resolution. The ordering of panoramic radiography is increased by dental practitioners because of procedure simplicity, advantages and easily understanding by patients. Incorrect ordering of panoramic radiography is due to inadequate knowledge about indications of this radiography which result in excess radiation, cost and time for patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of dental practitioners in Tabriz about indications of panoramic radiography. Method and Materials: In this cross-sectional descriptive study 250 dental practitioners were selected from participant of continuing dental education programs. Data was collected by means of self - administered questionnaire, which consisted of 21 questions to evaluate awareness of panoramic image indications. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient using SPSS 13.0 software. In this study P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean number of correct answers was 11.54 1.97. The least number of correct answers was 7 and The most of them was 16. The maximum level of knowledge was about evaluation tooth development in mixed dentition (90%) and the minimal level of knowledge was for sinusitis evaluation (4.8%). There were no statistically significant differences between age (P=0.46), work experience (P=0.49), their participating in continuing dental education programs (P=0.24) and dental practitioner's knowledge of indication of panoramic radiography. Conclusions: The knowledge of indication of panoramic radiography among dental practitioners was not enough. In order to minimize unnecessary radiation and for saving cost and time, attempts should be made to improve dental practitioner's knowledge about indications of panoramic radiography.