Digital Intraoral Imaging Re-Exposure Rates of Dental Students

Comparative study of 360° virtual reality and traditional two-dimensional video in nonface-to-face dental radiology classes: focusing on learning satisfaction and self-efficacy

BACKGROUND

Acquiring adequate theoretical knowledge in the field of dental radiography (DR) is essential for establishing a good foundation at the prepractical stage. Currently, nonface-to-face DR education predominantly relies on two-dimensional (2D) videos, highlighting the need for developing educational resources that address the inherent limitations of this method. We developed a virtual reality (VR) learning medium using 360° video with a prefabricated head-mounted display (pHMD) for nonface-to-face DR learning and compared it with a 2D video medium.

METHODS

Forty-four participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 23; 2D video) and an experimental group (n = 21; 360° VR). DR was re-enacted by the operator and recorded using 360° video. A survey was performed to assess learning satisfaction and self-efficacy. The nonparametric statistical tests comparing the groups were conducted using SPSS statistical analysis software.

RESULTS

Learners in the experimental group could experience VR for DR by attaching their smartphones to the pHMD. The 360° VR video with pHMD provided a step-by-step guide for DR learning from the point of view of an operator as VR. Learning satisfaction and self-efficacy were statistically significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 360° VR videos were associated with greater learning satisfaction and self-efficacy than conventional 2D videos. However, these findings do not necessarily substantiate the educational effects of this medium, but instead suggest that it may be considered a suitable alternative for DR education in a nonface-to-face environment. However, further examination of the extent of DR knowledge gained in a nonface-to-face setting is warranted. Future research should aim to develop simulation tools based on 3D objects and also explore additional uses of 360° VR videos as prepractical learning mediums.

Three-Dimensional printed model for preclinical training in oral radiology

INTRODUCTION

3D printing is experiencing significant growth in the teaching and learning process. This study aims to present a 3D printed skull model for preclinical intraoral radiographic practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two 3D printed mannequins were created. One mannequin used an STL file of a skull that was edited using two 3D modelling software (Meshmixer and Netfabb). The second mannequin was designed directly from a patient's segmented CBCT data and then converted into an STL file. Both mannequins were printed using fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology and polylactic acid (PLA) filament; teeth for the second mannequin were also printed using digital light processing (DLP). The printed skull bones were attached, the mandible was articulated to the articular fossa of the temporal bone, and the teeth were inserted into the alveoli. Intraoral radiographs of both mannequins were taken using a digital sensor (RVG 5100, Carestream).

RESULTS

Both 3D printed mannequins showed satisfactory radiographic appearance, allowing geometric representation of each intraoral radiographic projection, regardless of STL file origin. Anatomical structures, such as the periodontal ligament space, zygomatic process of the maxilla and intermaxillary suture, were represented. The material cost of the first and second printed prototype was $34.00 and $39.00, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 3D printed models is presented as an alternative to artificial commercial phantoms for the preclinical training of intraoral radiographic techniques through the combined benefits of superior radiographic projection quality, the possibility of model manipulation and an affordable price.

Reject Rates of Radiographic Images in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology: A Literature Review

This report surveyed the image reject rates of intra-oral, extra-oral, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging in the academic literature. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were queried in mid-April 2021. Manual screening of the reference lists of the identified publications was performed to identify papers missed from the database search. All publications returned by the searches were initially included. Exclusion criteria included irrelevance, no reporting of reject rate, no access to the article, and not original article. The total number of images and the number of rejects were recorded for each type of radiographic images. Factors and commonest errors associated with the rejects were recorded. Twenty-six original articles were identified and reviewed. The average reject rate was 11.25% for bitewings, 16.38% for periapicals, 4.10% for panoramics, 6.08% for lateral cephalography, and 2.77% for CBCT. Positioning error and patient movement were two common reasons for the rejects. The average reject rates computed from data pooled across studies should form the reference values for quality assurance programs to follow. Future reject analysis studies should report more radiographic parameters such as type of collimation for intra-oral radiography and patient posture for CBCT.

Image retake rates of cone beam computed tomography in a dental institution

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency and reasons for retaking cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in an oral and maxillofacial radiology imaging clinic in a dental institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort chart audit of the patient image database was performed for 1737 patients attending the Diagnostic Imaging clinic at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital from February 2016 to May 2019, and the rate of, and reasons for, CBCT image re-exposure was tallied. Patient demographics (age and gender) and CBCT acquisition parameters (CBCT unit, field-of-view (FOV), scanned region of interest, and exposure time) were recorded and correlated to retake analysis.

RESULTS

The retake rate was 4.6% (80/1737). The most common reasons for re-exposure were incomplete FOV coverage (57.5%) and motion artifacts (27.5%). Patients under 12 years of age had a significantly higher risk for motion artifacts. CBCT for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) had a significantly higher risk for incomplete FOV coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

Children (less than 12 years of age) demonstrate a higher frequency of retakes, principally due to motion artifacts. TMJ CBCT examinations have a higher frequency of retakes due to an incomplete FOV coverage.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Information regarding the frequency and reasons for CBCT retakes is beneficial to identify procedures, practices, or patients susceptible to additional radiation exposure and implement appropriate and specific quality control protocols.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Radiographic Protection by Dental Undergraduate and Endodontic Postgraduate Students, General Practitioners, and Endodontists

The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of radiation hazard and preventive measures among dental undergraduate students, general practitioners, endodontic postgraduate students, and endodontists in Saudi Arabia. Multiple choice questions questionnaires were distributed among undergraduate and endodontic postgraduate dental students, general practitioners, and endodontists in the colleges of dentistry in Saudi Arabia, government hospitals, and private clinics. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, assessment of the knowledge of radiation physics and biology, assessment of the practice of dental radiography, and assessment of knowledge of radiation protection. Chi-square test was used for individual and multiresponse analysis. Level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Three hundred and twenty-nine responded to the questionnaire. More than half of the respondents agreed that dental X-ray is hazardous to health (60.79%), and 68.1% were familiar with ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. However, only 34% are familiar with the recommendations of the National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The use of lead apron and thyroid collar for patients' protection from X-ray radiation was practiced among endodontic postgraduate students more frequently as well as those who are proactive in the academic field. Undergraduate students, endodontic postgraduate students, and endodontists in the academic field were the most aware towards radiation reduction measures. The use of the preventive measures needs to be emphasized more among general practitioners, endodontic postgraduate students, and endodontists especially in governmental hospitals and private sectors.

Evidence on radiation dose reduction using rectangular collimation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The goal of an intraoral radiograph is to be a valuable diagnostic tool while keeping the radiation exposure dose as low as reasonably achievable. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has strong recommendations for patient dose-reduction strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To answer the following research question: 'In either patient or in phantoms, does rectangular collimation compared with other forms of collimation reduce the radiation absorbed dose during intraoral imaging?'

METHODS

The search strategy was developed specifically for each electronic database. Information was collected from MEDLINE, all EBM Reviews including the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed and Web of Science, and from a search of the grey literature via Google Scholar. Studies were included if they reported the radiation dose in intraoral imaging using rectangular collimation compared with any other type of collimation or the absence of it. Studies that did not involve comparison/control groups were excluded. A qualitative appraisal of the included studies was performed. The Methodological Index for NOn-Randomised Studies (MINORS) tool assessed the potential risk of bias among the studies, while the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach determined the level of available evidence.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies using different types of receptors, including D-speed film, E-speed film, phosphor storage plates (PSP) and direct digital sensors, were included. Different methods to access absorbed and effective dose by exploring distinct technical parameters, such as distance object-receptor, long- and short-cone, kVp and mA, exposure time and beam filtering, were used. High heterogeneity between the studies was found. The level of evidence was classified as moderate. The radiation dose reduction ranged from 40% to 92% compared with circular collimation. The limitations of the cross-sectional design and in vivo studies were discussed. As this systematic review applied validated tools and guidelines designed for population-based studies, the application for studies based on computer simulations and dosimetry measurements was challenging.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate evidence suggesting that rectangular collimation significantly reduces radiation dose when compared with round collimation, justifying its implementation in clinical settings/private practices while taking intraoral radiographs.