数字放射成像：夏威夷牙医调查

Hawaii Dent J. 2007 Jul-Aug;38(4):10, 12-3.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of digital radiography among dentists in Hawai'i and report their experiences using it.

METHODS

A 20-question survey was developed and used to interview dentists in Hawai'i. Approximately 500 dentists were contacted. The survey asked whether or not the dentist uses digital radiography. For those not using digital equipment, reasons were given as well as proposed future use. For users of digital equipment, further information was requested: group or solo practice, length of time with digital equipment, length of time to decide, brand of dental software, brand and type of digital equipment, how many different systems, satisfaction, would they do it again, financially worth it, advantages, disadvantages, diagnostic or not, use of special features, sensor replacement and maintenance costs, and any other comments about digital radiography.

RESULTS

102 dentists responded to the survey. 36 percent utilize digital radiography. Only 40 percent of nonusers have any inclination of converting to digital, cost being the most common reason not to convert. Average length of time with digital was 3.4 years and about 2 years to make the decision. Dentrix was the most popular software and Dexis the most popular equipment. The overwhelming majority are satisfied with systems, feel they are financially worth it, feel it is diagnostic, and would purchase them again. Advantages included things such as speed, no use of chemicals, and lower radiation. Disadvantages included cost, sensor-related issues, and computer issues. Digital users find special features helpful and utilize them regularly. Maintenance costs include annual software upgrades, sensor replacement, and barriers and bitetabs.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital radiography is becoming more prevalent in Hawai'i. The big obstacle seems to be cost for most dentists, although users believe it is a good financial investment.

目的

本研究旨在确定夏威夷州牙医中数字放射成像的普及程度，并报告他们使用数字放射成像的体验。

方法

设计了一份包含20个问题的调查问卷，并用于采访夏威夷州的牙医。共联系了约500名牙医。调查问卷询问了牙医是否使用数字放射成像。对于未使用数字设备的牙医，询问了未使用的原因以及未来使用的意向。对于使用数字设备的牙医，还进一步询问了以下信息：团体或个体执业情况、使用数字设备的时长、做出购买决定的时长、牙科软件品牌、数字设备的品牌和类型、使用的不同系统数量、满意度、是否会再次购买、在经济上是否值得、优点、缺点、是否用于诊断、特殊功能的使用情况、传感器更换和维护成本，以及关于数字放射成像的任何其他意见。

结果

102名牙医回复了调查问卷。36%的牙医使用数字放射成像。只有40%的未使用者有转换为数字放射成像的意向，成本是不转换的最常见原因。使用数字放射成像的平均时长为3.4年，做出购买决定的时长约为2年。Dentrix是最受欢迎的软件，Dexis是最受欢迎的设备。绝大多数人对系统感到满意，认为在经济上是值得的，认为其具有诊断功能，并且会再次购买。优点包括速度快、无需使用化学药剂以及辐射剂量低等。缺点包括成本高、与传感器相关的问题以及计算机问题。数字设备使用者发现特殊功能很有帮助，并经常使用。维护成本包括年度软件升级、传感器更换以及屏障和咬翼片。