The use of fibre-optic transillumination in general dental practice

Objective To assess the use of fibre-optic transillumination (FOTI) as a di agnostic tool in general dental practice. Design A cross-over quantitative study for the diagnosis of approximal cari ous lesions by two clinical methods with a qualitative component. Subjects and methods Seven GDPs were trained to use FOTI as an adjunct to t heir usual clinical examination to diagnose approximal caries. After 12 wee ks of use in their practices four of the GDPs took part in two assessment s essions, set a week apart, using 29 volunteer patients. Each patient was ex amined on two separate occasions by each GDP using either their standard cl inical examination technique alone or supplemented by FOTI examination. The order of the techniques was randomised. Radiographs of each patient were a lso examined separately. An experienced FOTI user also examined the patient s to provide a benchmark. From standard charts the number of enamel and den tinal lesions on approximal surfaces was summed and comparisons made betwee n the techniques. Six GDPs took part in one-to-one interviews. Main outcome measures Mean numbers of carious lesions recorded by each clin ician using each technique. Results There was a trend for all GDPs to find more enamel and dentinal les ions using FOTI, than with their standard clinical examination with or with out radiographs. All GDPs found the FOTI technique a useful adjunct. They u sed FOTI in different ways and found a variety of uses for it other than ca ries diagnosis. Conclusions The FOTI technique increased the detection of approximal cariou s lesions. It was reported to be a useful diagnostic tool in general dental practice. GDPs and staff enjoyed participating in a research project.