Digital Radiography: Is it the Technique of Chicago?

Abstract

Purpose. To assess the level of implementation of digital radiography in dental hygiene programs. To find out if the placement of digital radiology instruction in the curriculum influences user preference.

Hypothesis. Introducing instruction in digital radiography technique before film will result in increased student usage of digital radiography.

Method. Observation of current instruction methods (digital first) in first-year radiology lab inspired the author to see if similar results were being witnessed in other programs. Electronic surveys were created to gather data from first-and second-year students, recent graduate hygienists, and dental hygiene program directors.

Results. 141 surveys were sent to program directors, 44 were completed; 91 were sent to students, 41 were completed. 93.1% of hygiene schools teach radiology the first year; 72.7% teach digital radiography to laboratory competence; 84.8% of these programs use sensors. 100% teach film technique first. Of the programs allowing students to choose technique on patients(34.3%) 92.9% chose film. Students responded (45% yes, 40% no) when asked if learning one technique first influenced their preference. When allowed to choose technique, students choose film (60%) over sensors (42.5%). 87.5% expect to take digital radiographs when they are employed. 26.8% reported feeling comfortable, 53.7% fairly comfortable with digital.

Conclusion. Teaching digital before film does not influence student acceptance. Students overwhelmingly expect to take digital radiographs when employed. Dental hygiene programs (3:1) have implemented hands on instruction in digital.