Abstract

Background: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an advanced imaging device that helps in diagnosing hard tissue lesions of oral and maxillofacial region.
Aims: This article aimed to review the cross-sectional studies conducted on the knowledge, attitude, and practices based on the uses of CBCT in dentistry published from 2010 to 2020 and to assess the knowledge and attitude of dental students of Jazan University toward the use of CBCT in dentistry.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Prince Mansour hospital diabetes clinics from November 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021. A questionnaire consisting of three parts: 1-sociodemographic characteristics, 2-medical information 3-Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory screening tool was employed for the study.
Methods: Various search engines and databases were searched for cross sectional studies. A validated, pretested, and self-administered questionnaire consisting of 15 close-ended questions was distributed among 227 dental students of Jazan University.
Results: Among the 227 participants, the proportion of participant’s awareness regarding CBCT usage according to their educational status in third, fourth, fifth year, and postgraduate students (PGs) were found to be 80.6%, 90.9%, 89.9%, and 100%, respectively. This data revealed that a significant proportion of PGs had more awareness of CBCT use for imaging of maxillofacial region as compared to undergraduates.
Conclusion: Many studies suggested there was lack of knowledge among dentists and students regarding the applications of CBCT in dentistry. It was observed in the survey that undergraduate students had less knowledge about CBCT as compared to post graduates who need to upgrade their knowledge to enhance their dental practice.

Key words: CBCT, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, diagnosis, maxillofacial imaging, radiation dosage