A cost analysis comparing xeroradiography to film technics for intraoral radiography

In the United States during 1978 $730 million was spent on dental radiographic services. Currently there are three alternatives for the processing of intraoral radiographs: manual wet-tanks, automatic film units, or xeroradiography. It was the intent of this study to determine which processing system is the most economical. Cost estimates were based on a usage rate of 750 patient images per month and included a calculation of the average cost per radiograph over a five-year period. Capital costs included initial processing equipment and site preparation. Operational costs included labor, supplies, utilities, darkroom rental, and breakdown costs. Clinical time trials were employed to measure examination times. Maintenance logs were employed to assess labor costs. Indirect costs of training were estimated. Results indicated that xeroradiography was the most cost effective ($0.81 per image) compared to either automatic film processing ($1.14 per image) or manual processing ($1.35 per image). Variations in projected costs indicated that if a dental practice performs primarily complete-mouth surveys, exposes less than 120 radiographs per month, and pays less than +6.50 per hour in wages, then manual (wet-tank) processing is the most economical method for producing intraoral radiographs.