Current trends in the adoption and education of cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography machines across Australia.

OBJECTIVES: This is a follow-up study to assess growth in the number of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR) machines in Australia. It is also the first study to evaluate the current status of both CBCT and PR education in Australia. METHODS: CBCT and PR machine numbers were obtained from the radiation regulators across Australia. Australian dental schools were surveyed via email. The number of machines relative to population size and the number of dentists were calculated. RESULTS: In 2020, there were 706 CBCT machines and 3,059 PR machines, representing a 204.3% increase in the number of CBCT machines and an 82.0% increase in the number of PR machines over six years. Majority of Australian dental schools owned PR and CBCT machines. Most taught PR acquisition and interpretation, however only one-third taught CBCT image acquisition and interpretation to predoctoral students. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT machine numbers increased by nearly three-fold while PR machines only increased by 1.6 times over a six-year period relative to population size and number of dentists. Only very few Australian dental schools provide CBCT education to predoctoral students, raising concern as to whether graduates are adequately trained upon program completion.

Brachytherapy Localization Radiographs with Conventional Diagnostic X-Ray Machine.

With conventional diagnostic X-ray machines with over couch X-ray tubes, it is not possible to obtain anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (Lat) radiographs without changing the posture of the patients. In an old 300 mA X-ray machine with a fluoroscopy screen (12.4 kg) (1995 model), by substituting the screen with suitable counterweight and making provision to take the hoist pillar up to the edge of the wall, we could get isocentric setup for a hospital stretcher kept near the chest stand. This setup provided acceptable AP-Lat radiographs for brachytherapy localization using "Perspex jig" (Nucletron, Netherlands) and field check radiographs in head and neck, esophagus patients for treatment planning.

Comparative adoption of cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography machines across Australia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the current adoption of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR) machines across Australia. METHODS: Information regarding registered CBCT and PR machines was obtained from radiation regulators across Australia. The number of X-ray machines was correlated with the population size, the number of dentists, and the gross state product (GSP) per capita, to determine the best fitting regression model(s). RESULTS: In 2014, there were 232 CBCT and 1681 PR machines registered in Australia. Based on absolute counts, Queensland had the largest number of CBCT and PR machines whereas the Northern Territory had the smallest number. However, when based on accessibility in terms of the population size and the number of dentists, the Australian Capital Territory had the most CBCT machines and Western Australia had the most PR machines. The number of X-ray machines correlated strongly with both the population size and the number of dentists, but not with the GSP per capita. CONCLUSIONS: In 2014, the ratio of PR to CBCT machines was approximately 7:1. Projected increases in either the population size or the number of dentists could positively impact on the adoption of PR and CBCT machines in Australia.