Radiographic materials, methods, and film-ordering patterns among orthodontic educators and private practitioners

Orthodontic private practitioners and training institutions were surveyed in regard to the various radiographic materials and methods used in their practices and for ascertaining film-ordering patterns for various types of patients. The reasons for the survey were to assess the degree of acceptance of more radiation-efficient imaging systems into orthodontic practice and to add to the data on orthodontic patient selection criteria and radiographic prescription patterns. All orthodontic programs in the United States and Canada were surveyed, along with all of the practicing orthodontists in the state of North Carolina. The response rates were 61% and 55%, respectively. It was found that a majority of practitioners and training institutions used more radiation-efficient rare earth screen systems, but more institutions used prepatient soft-tissue enhancement beam alteration methods, thus sparing thyroid dose. Lateral cephalometric and panoramic films were found to be the most frequently ordered films, and training institutions ordered more supplemental and follow-up radiographs than private practitioners. In general, patients requiring orthognathic surgery generated a greater number and variety of films than other patient types in both surveyed populations.