Basic training requirements for the use of dental CBCT by dentists: a position paper prepared by the European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology

Abstract

Cone beam CT (CBCT) is a relatively new imaging modality, which is now widely available to dentists for examining hard tissues in the dental and maxillofacial regions. CBCT gives a three-dimensional depiction of anatomy and pathology, which is similar to medical CT and uses doses generally higher than those used in conventional dental imaging. The European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology recognizes that dentists receive training in two-dimensional dental imaging as undergraduates, but most of them have received little or no training in the application and interpretation of cross-sectional three-dimensional imaging. This document identifies the roles of dentists involved in the use of CBCT, examines the training requirements for the justification, acquisition and interpretation of CBCT imaging and makes recommendations for further training of dentists in Europe who intend to be involved in any aspect of CBCT imaging. Two levels of training are recognized. Level 1 is intended to train dentists who prescribe CBCT imaging, such that they may request appropriately and understand the resultant reported images. Level 2 is intended to train to a more advanced level and covers the understanding and skills needed to justify, carry out and interpret a CBCT examination. These recommendations are not intended to create specialists in CBCT imaging but to offer guidance on the training of all dentists to enable the safe use of CBCT in the dentoalveolar region.

Cone beam computed tomography in Endodontics – a review of the literature

“…Two levels of training are to be recommended by the European Academy of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (Brown et al . ) and by Public Health England in the UK. A ‘core course’ (level 1 training) is to be undertaken by those prescribing CBCT scans.…”

Anatomical Variations of Maxillary Second Molars Palatal Root: Report of Two Cases

“…It also enables a more comprehensive assessment of danger zones (18). However, according to the European society of endodontology (ESE) and American associations of endodontists (AAE), CBCT must only be requested for cases where at least a couple of important reasons exist for taking a CBCT scan and it is cost-effective for patient (21). Patients in our study preferred to not take a CBCT scan.…”

What do we (do not) know about the use of cone beam computed tomography in endodontics? A thematic series with a call for scientific evidence

“…The practitioner is required to examine the entire region that appears in the CBCT scan and report on any suspected abnormalities or pathologies (Rosen et al 2017;Kumar et al 2015;EUROPEAN-COMMISSION 2012;ADA 2012;Brown et al 2014). The daily use of CBCT by endodontic practitioners therefore raises concerns regarding the necessary training and experience required by the practitioner in order to efficiently evaluate the CBCT scans (Rosen et al 2017;AAOMR and AAE 2010;Patel et al 2015;ADA 2012;Brown et al 2014).…”

“…The daily use of CBCT by endodontic practitioners therefore raises concerns regarding the necessary training and experience required by the practitioner in order to efficiently evaluate the CBCT scans (Rosen et al 2017;AAOMR and AAE 2010;Patel et al 2015;ADA 2012;Brown et al 2014). This diagnostic challenge may require comprehensive knowledge regarding the radiographic features of the head and neck anatomy and pathology that may be beyond the endodontic practitioner experiences (Brown et al 2014), thus subjecting the patient to risks of undiagnosed pathologies and the practitioner to an ensuing medico-legal liability risk (Rosen et al 2017;Brown et al 2014;Friedland 2009;Givol et al 2010). …”