Radiographic screening examination: frequency, equipment, and film in general dental practice in Denmark

The aim of the present study was to evaluate types and frequencies of radiographic screening examinations, and radiographic equipment and film used in general dental practice in Denmark. A questionnaire was mailed to 400 randomly selected dental practitioners. A total of 258 questionnaires were returned, out of which 249 were analyzed. Two-thirds of the respondents performed radiographic screening examinations, of which bitewing-screening was the one most frequently used for first-visit and regular patients. The more recent their graduation year, the more apt were dentists to perform radiographic screening examinations. More than 40% of the dentists had radiographic units operating at a voltage capacity of 60-70 kV, and more than 50% had facilities for automatic or semiautomatic processing. Only one-quarter of the respondents used the Kodak Ektaspeed film (E-speed film). The results show that radiographic procedures and film used in general dental practice are not always in accordance with guidelines and recommendations.