Decision criteria and characteristics of Norwegian general dental practitioners selecting digital radiography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate Norwegian general dental practitioners' decision criteria and characteristics for choosing digital radiographic equipment.


METHODS
A questionnaire was sent to all dental practitioners in Norway (n = 3940). They were categorised on the basis of their responses as either a 'digital radiography' (DR) or 'non-digital radiography' (non-DR) dentist. Demographic, clinical, and electronic technology variables were recorded. Dentists ranked on a six-point scale their reasons for choosing or not choosing digital radiography. Their responses were analysed by logistic regression.


RESULTS
Two thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine dentists (56%) replied. Three hundred and nine (14%), (219 men, 86 women and four not stated) had chosen to use digital radiography. The logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, age and years in dentistry were not significant factors in determining their decision, whereas working in a private or group practice was. The number of computers in the practice was the most important of the electronic technology variables. The non-DR dentists strongly agreed that 'digital radiography is too expensive' and were 'satisfied with film'. The DR dentists strongly agreed that the 'use of chemicals can be avoided', 'patient dose is reduced', and 'archiving is facilitated'.


CONCLUSIONS
Working in a private or group practice or using multiple computers were significant factors in choosing digital radiography.
Wenzel
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Department of Oral Radiology, Royal Dental College, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Møystad
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D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003199:Computer Systems / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006124:Group Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D011331:Private Practice; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014962:X-Ray Film