Dental Students’ Knowledge and Attitude Towards Cone‑Beam Computed Tomography: An Indian Scenario

Abstract

Background: Cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an upcoming imaging modality in field of dentistry with promising outcomes. Aim of the Study: To assess the dental student’s knowledge and attitude regarding CBCT in K. M. Shah Dental College and Hospital as they are future practitioners. Methodology: An anonymous questionnaire consisting of 11 questions was distributed among 320 dental students which included final BDS students, interns, and postgraduate students. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the responses of the participants, and Chi‑square test was applied to statistically evaluate the differences in the responses according to the education level. Results: Totally, 96.9% response rate was achieved. All the students had heard of CBCT used for dental practice. The majority of them gained knowledge about CBCT through faculty lessons. Lower radiation dose was given as the most important advantage of CBCT over medical computed tomography. Many of the students thought that CBCT should be taught during clinical phase of their education, and there is necessary for CBCT unit at dental faculties. More than half of the students believed that the use of CBCT would become more widespread in the near future, and they aspire to use CBCT technology in their future careers. Conclusion: Seeing the positive attitude, it was concluded that the students’ should be provided with thorough practical knowledge and efforts should be made to improve their concepts regarding CBCT.