Digital display monitor performance in general dental practice

Abstract

Background: The performance of computer displays represents an important factor influencing the quality of digital radiographs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of computer displays used for the purposes of diagnostic radiology in a sample of dental practices in one Australian state. Methods: Twelve dental practices comprising 29 displays elected to participate in a detailed performance evaluation of their computer displays according to the AAPM TG18 and DICOM part 14 GSDF standards. Results: None of the 29 displays tested passed the primary or secondary acceptance criteria developed by the AAPM TG18. The greatest contributor to display failure, both prior to and following calibration, were specular and diffuse reflection. When the parameter of display reflection was ignored, the most frequent parameters contributing to display failure following calibration included the primary grade acceptance criteria of noise (n = 29, 100%), contrast ratio (n = 9, 31%) and maximum luminance (n = 12, 41%). However, display calibration resulted in a significant improvement in the parameter of contrast response. Conclusions: This study demonstrated significant problems concerning the performance of display monitors in the population surveyed. In recognition of the growing utilization of digital imaging in dentistry the importance of the computer display should be considered.

Guidelines for reporting on CBCT scans

“…2005). Inappropriate viewing conditions can have a deleterious impact on the assessment and reporting of radiographic images (Butt & Savage 2015).…”

Observer preference for a dedicated medical display vs a standard screen in the detection of dental radioanatomic features

“…dental radiographs, unlike normal MDs that are configured on the basis of medical radiology images. [13][14][15] However, it is questionable whether specifically configured "dental" settings on an MD are actually beneficial in such tasks as detection of radioanatomic structures and diagnosis of disease. There is lack of scientific evidence to support the notion that use of these monitors improves efficacy in observing radioanatomic features compared with general purpose standard screens (SS).…”

Impact of viewing conditions on the performance assessment of different computer monitors used for dental diagnostics

“…The closest the authors could find, and had access to, was the Standards of Practice for Clinical Radiology published by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. 4 7 15 22 23 24…”

“…Although monitor performance is not the only factor that may impact on the quality of a digital radiograph, it is a pivotal cog in the digital radiology process. 22 The purpose of the current study was to assess the performance of all over-the-shelf computer monitors used for digital radiographic interpretation and analysis within the 7 clinical spaces at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA) and to assess factors contributing to the monitor performance.…”