Decision criteria and characteristics of Norwegian general dental practitioners selecting digital radiography

Objectives: To evaluate Norwegian general dental practitioners' characteris tics for choosing digital radiographic equipment. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all dental practitioners in Norway (n = 3940). They were categorised on the basis of their responses as either a 'digital radiography' (DR) or 'non-digital radiography' (non-DR) dentist. D emographic, clinical, and electronic technology variables were recorded. De ntists ranked on a six-point scale their reasons for choosing or not choosi ng digital radiography. Their responses were analysed by logistic regressio n. Results: Two thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine dentists (56%) replied. Three hundred and nine (14%), (219 men, 86 women and four not stated) had c hosen to use digital radiography. The logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, age and years in dentistry were not significant factors in de termining their decision, whereas working in a private or group practice wa s. The number of computers in the practice was the most important of the el ectronic technology variables. The non-DR dentists strongly agreed that 'di gital radiography is too expensive' and were 'satisfied with film'. The DR dentists strongly agreed that the 'use of chemicals can be avoided','patien t dose is reduced', and 'archiving is facilitated'. Conclusion: Working in a private or group practice or using multiple comput ers were significant factors in choosing digital radiography.