EXTRAORAL AND CBCT DENTAL EXPOSURES IN PORTUGAL

Abstract

Data from dental extraoral and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) exposures in Portugal (2019) were gathered, and patient doses for standard adult exams were evaluated. In panoramic X-rays, 442 units (34% of the existing licensed units) were tested, with a third quartile value (PKA) of 82 mGy.cm2. For cephalometric radiography (88 units), the third quartile value (Ki) was 0.3 mGy for the posteroanterior projection and 0.2 mGy for lateral projection. In CBCT (69 units), the doses for the placement of an upper first molar implant were evaluated with a third quartile value (PKA) of 820 mGy.cm2. Due to the wide range of values (74-3687 mGy.cm2), the CBCT data were divided by FOV dimensions: for small FOV (average FOV of 7 ×8 cm), a value of 580 mGy.cm2 was obtained and for medium FOV (average FOV of 13 × 12 cm) a value of 1167 mGy.cm2. The number of annual panoramic X-rays made in Portugal was 208 per 1000 inhabitants, which is higher than the value for other countries.