How Ready are Our Students for Cone Beam Computed Tomography?

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess the level of skills of dental students in interpreting Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images and their attitude towards CBCT. A total of 232 participants-final year BDS students, interns, and postgraduate students answered a close-ended questionnaire containing 11 multiple-choice questions related to CBCT, based on few CBCT images. The difference in the students’ responses according to education level was assessed using the chi-square test. We found that the majority of the respondents are adequately skilled in interpreting CBCT images, yet 69% of all participants demonstrated a lack of confidence in this field. About 83% of the participants felt that information given on CBCT at undergraduate level was inadequate, and 97% wished to have CBCT clinical postings incorporated into their undergraduate curriculum. Most of the participants were well aware of the importance of having a CBCT unit; thus have displayed a positive attitude towards the learning and use of this technology. It is essential for dental students to be adequately skilled in handling CBCT scan procedures and interpreting CBCT images. More hours of lectures or clinical training regarding CBCT should become an integral part of the undergraduate curriculum to ensure the competency of dental students.