Application of Radiographic/Imaging Techniques: A Questionnaire Study Involving Private Practitioners in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract Background: A study was carried out to get an updated overview of the applications of radiographic/imaging techniques, types of dental X-ray machines, and radiation hygiene tendencies among private dental practitioners. Materials and Methods: A survey was carried out to obtain an overview of the application of radiographic techniques by sending a questionnaire (Google Forms) to more than 1000 private dental practitioners in all states of Malaysia. In addition, several questionnaires were also completed by visiting many dental clinics in person. Results: A total of 410 responses were received. Results indicated that a majority of the practitioners owned at least an intraoral radiographic machine (90.9%). A relatively high number had panoramic machines (76.1%) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) machines (42.5%). Intraoral images were acquired by private dentists at a rate of 11–20 per month (34.3%, n = 116 respondents), with only 13.6% (n = 46 respondents) acquiring more than 50 per month. With regard to panoramic and CBCT imaging, most of them took between 1 and 30 panoramic images and 1–20 CBCT scans, respectively, in a month. Conclusion: General dental practitioners in Malaysia are very dependent on various dental imaging techniques that can be performed in their own clinics. The demographic status indicated that most of the advanced imaging machines were owned by young practitioners as they are better exposed to these imaging modalities. Moreover, although the respondents graduated from universities in different countries, they had a high level of knowledge of radiation protection (>80%) when practicing oral and maxillofacial radiography.