Awareness Of The Use Of OPG As A Standard Patient Record In Routine Dental Practice

Abstract

Aim: This study assessed dental patients' awareness and perceptions of Orthopantomogram (OPG) utility, benefits, and safety. It also explored OPG's role as a standard patient record. This is relevant as modern dentistry relies more on advanced imaging.

Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted with 100 dental patients in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Participants were chosen by convenient sampling. The questionnaire had 20 questions. It gathered data on demographics, oral health knowledge, and OPG awareness. A focus was radiation exposure. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Data was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square tests identified associations between variables and awareness levels (p < 0.05).

Results: Patient knowledge showed asymmetry. 70% of participants had limited understanding of OPG's full diagnostic capabilities. These included displaying all teeth, detecting subtle fractures, or diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorders. Still, patients recognized its broader use. For safety, 85% knew OPG involved radiation. But, 65% lacked precise knowledge of safe radiation limits and OPG's low dose. 78% were unaware of OPG's contraindication for pregnant women. This shows a patient education gap. Despite this, 92% expressed positive OPG perception. They valued its wide coverage and quick imaging time. No significant link was found between gender and awareness of radiation exposure (p=0.124). No link was found for OPG's documentation role (p=0.144). However, gender significantly linked with OPG as reliable evidence for medico-legal cases (p=0.0385).

Conclusion: This study highlights a gap in patient awareness. This includes OPG's diagnostic scope and safety aspects, especially radiation exposure and contraindications. Patients generally appreciate OPG's value and efficiency. However, enhanced patient education is needed for this imaging modality. Bridging this knowledge gap is important for informed consent and patient autonomy. It also helps OPG be more accepted, utilized, and recognized as a comprehensive, safe diagnostic tool and a potential standard patient record. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended.