Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study

Göksal Keldal; Merve Kunduz Keldal; Sefa Çolak

Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) usage patterns, knowledge levels, and clinical approaches among general dentists and specialists, and to examine the effect of professional status on CBCT referral behavior, image interpretation practices, and awareness of incidental findings. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 275 dentists, comprising 155 specialists and 120 general dentists. Data were collected using an 18-item questionnaire assessing CBCT referral frequency, clinical indications, educational background, image evaluation habits, radiation awareness, and attitudes toward incidental findings. Data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Comparisons between specialists and general dentists were performed using the Pearson Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with CBCT referral behavior. Results: Overall, 64.7% of participants reported referring patients for CBCT imaging, with implant planning being the most common indication (59.1%). Most respondents (81.8%) had not received formal CBCT interpretation training. Specialists reported encountering incidental findings significantly more frequently than general dentists (52.9% vs. 31.7%, p<0.001). In total, 82.9% believed that the entire CBCT volume should be evaluated by a qualified specialist, 90.2% preferred a radiologist prepared CBCT report, and 88% were willing to attend a structured CBCT course. Logistic regression showed that specialist status, private-sector practice, and previous CBCT interpretation training were significantly associated with CBCT referral behavior. Conclusion: Although CBCT is widely used in dental practice, important gaps remain in interpretation training, volumetric assessment, and management of incidental findings. Structured CBCT education and multidisciplinary reporting practices should be strengthened.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None

Project Number

25-MOBAEK-405

Ethical Statement

The study protocol was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (Project No: 25-MOBAEK-405; Date: 21 November 2025). All participants voluntarily agreed to participate and provided informed consent prior to inclusion in the study. The research was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Thanks

None

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Göksal Keldal ^*
0000-0002-7784-9809
Türkiye

Merve Kunduz Keldal
0000-0003-1077-7908
Türkiye

Sefa Çolak
0000-0002-0807-9089
Türkiye

Publication Date

August 15, 2026

Submission Date

March 3, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 4

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Keldal, G., Kunduz Keldal, M., & Çolak, S. (2026). Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, 7(4), 725-731. https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK

AMA

1.Keldal G, Kunduz Keldal M, Çolak S. Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2026;7(4):725-731. https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK

Chicago

Keldal, Göksal, Merve Kunduz Keldal, and Sefa Çolak. 2026. “Knowledge and Clinical Practices of General Dentists and Specialists Regarding Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 7 (4): 725-31. https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK.

EndNote

Keldal G, Kunduz Keldal M, Çolak S (August 1, 2026) Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 7 4 725–731.

IEEE

[1]G. Keldal, M. Kunduz Keldal, and S. Çolak, “Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study”, J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 725–731, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK

ISNAD

Keldal, Göksal - Kunduz Keldal, Merve - Çolak, Sefa. “Knowledge and Clinical Practices of General Dentists and Specialists Regarding Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care 7/4 (August 1, 2026): 725-731. https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK.

JAMA

1.Keldal G, Kunduz Keldal M, Çolak S. Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac. 2026;7:725–731.

MLA

Keldal, Göksal, et al. “Knowledge and Clinical Practices of General Dentists and Specialists Regarding Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care, vol. 7, no. 4, Aug. 2026, pp. 725-31, https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK.

Vancouver

1.Göksal Keldal, Merve Kunduz Keldal, Sefa Çolak. Knowledge and clinical practices of general dentists and specialists regarding cone-beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study. J Med Palliat Care / JOMPAC / jompac [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;7(4):725-31. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA44RK58XK