Abstract

Radiographs are a valuable diagnostic tool, as an adjunct to clinical examination in the diagnosis of dental diseases. Two dimensional periapical and panoramic radiographs are routinely used in dental practice. However, there are certain limitations of two dimensional radiographs, which can be overcome by three-dimensional, imaging techniques such as cone beam computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound and other higher radiographic techniques.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice and attitude towards higher   radiographic investigations among post graduates in the department of oral medicine and radiology.
Materials and method: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire dealing with knowledge, attitude, and practice used in dental radiology was conducted among 100 oral medicine post graduates, was electronically distributed via email and social media for a period of one year. The analysis was done using SPSS version 
Results: A total of 100 volunteers participated but only 88 postgraduates responded to the questionnaire. Among the respondents, 54.5% were not using all the higher radiographic techniques other than the regular techniques for diagnostic purposes at their work place. A total of 68.2% of respondents were partially aware of common terminologies used . Most of the respondents were unsure about radiation exposure of the higher radiographic techniques used , when compared to other types of imaging. Almost nobody had any idea on relative importance of image characteristics. Only half of the respondents were willing to attend a hands-on course for the interpretations of the higher radiographic techniques  versus pathology.
Conclusions: In the present study it was apparent that most of the respondents were lacking adequate knowledge of the higher radiographic techniques other than regular ones. Hence, there is an urgent need for more training programs  which would result in better diagnosis and treatment planning.