Use of 'rapid' processing techniques by a sample of British dentists

Knowledge of current practices amongst general dental practitioners (GDPs) is important in planning postgraduate and undergraduate teaching curricula and in ensuring the relevance of clinical research. A number of methods are available to dentists for the rapid production of intraoral radiographic images, including concentrated and monobath chemistry. No current data exists about the use of such 'rapid' systems in the UK. The aim of this study was to obtain this data, including the relative popularity of the different systems. A questionnaire on 'rapid' processing of radiographs was distributed to all 855 GDPs in four Family Health Services Authorities in North West England. Responses were received from 326 GDPs (38.1%). 29.4% of GDPs used some kind of 'rapid' system, with 'packet processed' films being the most popular. 6.1% of all GDPs used 'rapid' systems routinely, while the remainder used them for specific situations, typically emergencies and endodontics.