Above: Images from the Carestream Dental CS 9300
What are patients' expectations for CBCT, if any?
Patients begin to expect more with this technology, and it elevates the esteem the patient has for the dentist and the practice. This is also a double-edged sword, since the practice and dentist have to live up to higher expectations. Patients see the practice investing in the new technology, so they will make an association that the dentist's technical skills are just as technically advanced as the imaging.
With more doctors using in-office CBCT systems, what kind of safeguards and regulations can we expect to see?
As the use of CBCT increases, we will see more practice guidelines issued by professional organizations. In 2012, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology updated its 2002 guidelines for use with implant planning. The association recommended using CBCT for routine dental implant planning. In May of 2015, we worked with the American Association of Endodontists to issue a new set of guidelines concerning CBCT. I think that if endodontists, as well as general practitioners, read it carefully, they will see that the guidelines are recommending the increased use of limited volume, high resolution CBCT imaging in properly selected cases.
Edward Shellard, DMD, has more than two decades of clinical and executive experience in the dental industry. Since joining Carestream Dental in February 2008, Dr. Shellard has driven global marketing strategy and product development efforts for the latest innovations in dental and practice management technology.
Jeffery B. Price, DDS, MS, is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. He is currently an associate professor of oral and maxillofacial radiology and director of oral and maxillofacial radiology at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. In addition, he is an adjunct associate professor at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. Price practiced general and adult restorative dentistry in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for 24 years.
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