Dentomaxillofacial radiology in Australia and dentist satisfaction with radiology reports. (26th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Selim, DG; Sexton, C; Monsour, P
• Is Part Of: Australian dental journal. Volume 63:Number 4(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2018-07-26
• Subjects: Dentomaxillofacial radiology -- imaging -- oral and maxillofacial radiology -- radiology -- reporting; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentisterie -- Australie -- Périodiques; Tandheelkunde; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1111/adj.12642
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-0421

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (DMFR) is comprised of the smallest cohort of specialists in Australia. A survey was undertaken to assess awareness of DMFR, radiology reporting and referring protocols as well as dental practitioners' satisfaction with their radiology reporting arrangements. Methods: An original online survey created using Checkbox † was sent to dental practitioners. The survey was promoted on Australian‐based dental Facebook forums and emailed to targeted members via Australian professional dental associations. Results: A total of 399 responses were received, with over 80% of respondents aware of DMFR as a specialty. Approximately 40% of practitioners were self‐reporting their imaging. There was correlation between increased satisfaction with external reporting and utilization of DMFR services and decreased satisfaction with medical radiology services. More than 90% of general dentists and greater than 85% of dental specialists prefer DMFR reports to medical radiology reports. Approximately 80% of practitioners believed that their satisfaction would change positively if they had access to a DMFR report. Conclusion: The research indicates a high degree of self‐reporting or non‐reporting by dental practitioners. There is low satisfaction with external reporting performed by Medical Radiologists primarily due to a lack of dental knowledge or detail and a preference for DMF Radiology reports.