Radiation Doses and Quality Assurance in Cone Beam CT(CBCT)

Choi,  Yong-Suk; Kim,  Gyu-Tae; Hwang,  Eui-Hwan

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 52(3); 2014 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2014;52(3):153-163.
Published online March 31, 2014.

임상가를 위한 특집 4 - CBCT 검사법의 정도관리 및 선량

최용석¹, 김규태², 황의환³

^¹경희대학교 치의학전문대학원 영상치의학교실
^²경희대학교 치의학전문대학원 영상치의학교실
^³경희대학교 치의학전문대학원 영상치의학교실

Radiation Doses and Quality Assurance in Cone Beam CT(CBCT)

Yong-Suk Choi¹, Gyu-Tae Kim², Eui-Hwan Hwang³

¹Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University
²Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University
³Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University

Abstract

3-dimensional information for anatomic stucture plays a role as integral part in clinical aspect of dental practice. CBCT(cone beam computed tomography) has been accepted as useful diagnostic tool offering Volume data and images for evaluating teeth and jaws in lower radiation dose than conventional CT. CBCT equipment is essential for the quality assurance of it to ensure continued satisfactory performance and result of adequate images. Dental practitioner and oral and maxillofacial radiologist should have a responsibility and critical thinking to deliver this technology to patients in a responsible way, so that diaganostic value is maximised and radiation doses kept as low as resonably achievable. CBCT imaging modality should be used only after a review of the patient's health and imaging history and the completion of a thorough clinical examination. Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances Dental practitioners should prescribe CBCT imaging only when they expect that the diagnostic yield will benefit patient care, enhance patient safety or improve clinical outcomes significantly. Knowledge of patient dose is essential for clinicians who are making the decision regarding the justification of the exposure. There are some limitation in the measurement of patient dose in CBCT for the approval and adaptation of conventinal methodolgy in CT. It is also important to ensure that doses are optimised and in line with any national and international guidelines. The higher radiation doses of CBCT compared with conventional radiography, mean that high standards must be maintained. The Quality Assurance(QA) programme should entail surveys and checks that are performed according to a regular timetable. QA programme should be maintained by staff to ensure adherence to the programme and to raise its importance among staff.

Key Words: cone beam computed tomography;radiation dose;quality assurance;health care;