Knowledge and Attitudes About Advanced Maxillofacial Imaging in Dental Professionals (KAAMI)

Knowledge and Attitudes About Advanced Maxillofacial Imaging (CBCT, TC, RM, PET/TC y SPECT/TC) in Dental Professionals

Introduction:

Advanced maxillofacial imaging techniques, such as CBCT, CT, MRI, and hybrid modalities (PET/CT and SPECT/CT), have transformed diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry. However, their increasing availability poses challenges related to the appropriate indication, interpretation, and application of radiation protection principles. Previous studies suggest variability in the level of knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals, which can impact the quality of care and patient safety.

Objective:

To evaluate and compare the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding advanced maxillofacial imaging techniques among general dentists, dentists with postgraduate training, undergraduate/master's students in dentistry, and maxillofacial surgeons.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study will be conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to general dentists, specialists, and students. A non-probability convenience sampling method will be used, with an estimated sample size of 220 participants. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS (version 31.0.1.0), establishing a significance level of p < 0.05. A descriptive analysis of the variables will be carried out, expressing qualitative variables as frequencies and percentages, and quantitative variables as mean and standard deviation or median and range, depending on their distribution, which will be assessed using normality tests.

For bivariate analysis, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests will be used to compare the level of knowledge, attitudes, and confidence levels between groups, according to the data distribution, with post-hoc analysis in case of significant differences. Ordinal variables, such as the frequency of test requests, will be analyzed using chi-square tests.

Associations between variables will also be explored using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Student's t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square tests, depending on the nature of the data.

Expected conclusion:

This study will allow us to identify differences in knowledge and attitudes between groups, as well as detect training needs, contributing to optimizing clinical practice and radiological safety in dentistry.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Knowledge
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Submit a questionnaire

Detailed Description

This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and confidence levels of dental professionals and dental students regarding the use of advanced maxillofacial imaging modalities, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), medical computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). These imaging techniques play an increasingly important role in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management within dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The study will employ a cross-sectional survey design using a structured questionnaire distributed to dentists, dental specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and undergraduate and postgraduate dental students. The questionnaire will assess participants' educational background, clinical experience, familiarity with advanced imaging modalities, understanding of radiological principles, confidence in image interpretation, and attitudes toward the clinical use and prescription of these examinations. The project seeks to identify potential differences among professional groups and educational levels, as well as factors associated with greater knowledge and more appropriate use of advanced imaging technologies. Particular attention will be given to awareness of radiation protection principles and the appropriate indication of imaging examinations in dental practice. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of educational needs and support the development of targeted training strategies aimed at improving diagnostic decision-making, patient safety, and the quality of radiological practice in dentomaxillofacial healthcare.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 220

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: José López-López, Doctor; Phone Number: 0034 606457362; Email: jl.lopez@ub.edu

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of dental professionals and dental students, including general dentists, dentists with postgraduate training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, undergraduate dental students, and postgraduate dental students. Participants will be recruited to assess their knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and clinical practices regarding advanced maxillofacial imaging modalities, including CBCT, CT, MRI, PET/CT, and SPECT/CT.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

General dentists, dentists with postgraduate training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, undergraduate dental students, or postgraduate dental students.

Ability to read and understand the questionnaire language. Willingness to participate and provide informed consent. Completion of the study questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

Refusal or inability to provide informed consent. Incomplete or partially completed questionnaires. Duplicate questionnaire submissions.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Dental professionals and dental students; Individuals involved in dental education or clinical dental practice, including general dentists, dentists with postgraduate training, undergraduate dental students, graduate students, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, participating in a survey assessing knowledge and attitudes regarding advanced maxillofacial imaging modalities.	Other: Submit a questionnaire; Participants will complete a structured, self-administered online questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and clinical practices regarding advanced maxillofacial imaging modalities, including CBCT, CT, MRI, PET/CT, and SPECT/CT.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Level of knowledge regarding advanced maxillofacial imaging techniques (CBCT, CT, MRI, PET/CT and SPECT/CT)	Knowledge score obtained from the structured questionnaire assessing theoretical knowledge of advanced maxillofacial imaging techniques.	Baseline (at questionnaire completion)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Barcelona
• Collaborators: Hospital Odontològic UB

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): June 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 15, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 8, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 14, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): June 16, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 16, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 14, 2026
• Last Verified: June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: PET/CT; Radiation Protection; Dental Education; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT); Dental Radiology
• Other Study ID Numbers: rxquestionnaire; 15/2026 (Other Identifier: Comitè d'Ètica i Investigació amb Medicaments)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No