An electronic survey of opinions on the compatibility of current X-ray generators with intra-oral digital X-ray systems

Objectives: To assess opinions on the compatibility of current X-ray genera tors with intra-oral digital X-ray systems. Methods: A questionnaire was posted in both English and in Japanese on oral and maxillofacial radiology electronic bulletin boards. The questionnaire was also mailed to selected researchers and manufacturers in oral and maxil lofacial radiology. The replies were evaluated to determine opinion on the current and future status of digital intra-oral imaging with special refere nce to their compatibility with current X-ray generators. Results: Seventy-one replies were received from 19 countries: 39% from Japa n and Korea, 27% from North America, 25% from Europe and 8% from the rest o f the world. Eighty per cent of respondents were from academia, 15% from in dustry and the remainder largely in private practice. Respondents' experien ce was equally divided between solid state, mainly charge-coupled devices ( CCDs) and photostimulable phosphor (IP) technologies. Sixty-eight per cent considered that current X-ray generators are compatible with intra-oral dig ital systems and many believed this was due to their gray scale flexibility , Twenty-eight per cent believed that existing X-ray generators are inconsi stent with low exposure times. Many of the replies suggested that in future pixel size would decrease and bit depth and receptor sensitivity increase. Conclusions: Most respondents are happy to use existing X-my generators wit h digital X-ray;systems. However, they also believe that increased sensitiv ity of receptors could lead to more stringent designs of X-ray generators t o ensure more reliable outputs in the low exposure range.