The JADA article entitled “Why switch to Digital Radiography?” (Vol.135,2004) reports that digital radiography has greatly improved since its introduction to dentistry more than a decade ago. Objectives: This survey was designed to assess the current usage and general knowledge of dental practitioners concerning digital imaging. Methods: Surveys consisting of 16 predominantly Likert scale items, were mailed to all (929) practicing West Virginia dentists. Survey questions addressed general usage; knowledge of digital imaging and related software; reasons for non-use; comfort with electronic technologies, and interest in a CE course providing information about available technology. Results: Four-hundred and seven (43.8%) of the 929 questionnaires were returned. Of the respondents, 2% were GP's with 1980 being the median year of graduation. Although 74% (with a 95% confidence interval of ±3.2%) of the practitioners utilized computer technology, only 14% (±2.5%) have made the conversion to a paperless record system. The main reason (60.4 ±3.6%) being cost. While 23% (±3.1%) of respondents use digital radiography in their practices, a majority of these clinicians were not able to report the type of system they use. Furthermore, 62.6% (±3.5%) were not confident in their ability to select a system from those currently available, however 64.2% (±3.5%) expressed interest in a CE course that would provide information about the various types of digital radiography image acquisition systems. Although 77% (±3.1%) were not using digital radiography, 77.9% (±3.0%) understood that the technology offers certain benefits when compared to conventional radiography. A majority recognized the following potential benefits: reduction in amount of radiation (87.1±2.4%); increase in diagnostic quality (70.9±3.3%); and availability of software to enhance images (71.6±3.3%). Conclusions: The majority of WV clinicians are not using digital radiography. Almost 2/3, however, are interested in a CE course that would enhance their ability to effectively implement this technology.

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