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Dutch dentists' decisions to take bitewing radiographs
P Mileman1, L van der Weele, F van de Poel
1Department of Dental Radiology, Combined Universities Dental School, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Dutch dentists prescribe bitewing radiographs for new adult patients based on various factors, including initial dental condition and practice location. However, these factors explain only a small portion of prescribing variation, suggesting individualized diagnostic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Radiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bitewing radiography is a common diagnostic tool in dentistry.
- Understanding factors influencing bitewing prescription is crucial for optimizing radiation exposure and diagnostic accuracy.
- Previous research has explored factors affecting radiographic decisions, but variations persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variables influencing the prescription of bitewing radiographs for new adult dental patients in the Netherlands.
- To determine the proportion of variation in bitewing prescription explained by identified factors.
- To assess the diagnostic practices related to interproximal caries detection.
Main Methods:
- A national random sample of 444 Dutch dental practitioners was surveyed via postal questionnaire.
- A response rate of 77% (344 practitioners) was achieved.
- Regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of bitewing prescription.
Main Results:
- Bitewing radiographs were prescribed for an average of 57% of new 25-year-old patients.
- Five significant variables explained 24% of the variation in bitewing prescribing.
- Key predictors included initial patient dental condition, reliance on radiographs for restorative decisions, practice urbanization, equipment level, and perceived utility of dental floss for caries diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The decision to prescribe bitewing radiographs for caries diagnosis shows considerable individual variation among Dutch dentists.
- The low explanatory power of the regression model suggests idiosyncratic prescribing habits.
- There is a weak tendency towards adopting varied diagnostic procedures, highlighting a need for standardized guidelines.