Purpose: This study surveyed plain X-ray radiography and diagnostic reporting by dental radiologists at the Center for Dental Clinics of Hokkaido University Hospital, and also access to PACS in the hospital.
Materials and Methods: We analyzed the image modalities, the number of images ordered by each department, and the times and days taken to complete diagnostic reporting by dental radiologists for plain X-ray radiographs taken between June 2010 and May 2011. Access to PACS was also analyzed and compared between the period of this study and before the initiation of filmless and registry of diagnostic reports.
Results: The total number of images was 8271, and the most common modality was panoramic radiography (77%), followed by cephalography (11.3%), and posterior-anterior and lateral, axial projections (6.3%); there were also lateral oblique transcranial projections (Schüller), Waters projections, and panagraphy. The Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine ordered the most images (approximately 60%). The average number of radiograph image diagnoses per dental radiologist was 30.2. The average time and number of days to complete diagnostic reports were 171.4 minutes and 7.4 days, respectively, with an achievement rate of reporting of 97.8%. Access to PACS at the Center for Dental Clinics for all departments has increased since filmless and registry of diagnostic reports were initiated. In addition, the Departments of Restorative, Periodontal, and Prosthetic Dentistry have accessed PACS about tenfold more since intraoral radiography was digitalized.
Conclusion: Dental radiologists need to institute checks to prevent missing reports and also make efforts to complete reporting in the shortest possible time.
