Abstract
Cone beam radiography represents an essential tool for dental diagnostics that is utilized by most dental specialties. This study aims to evaluate the reason for referral for Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation in a university-based setting, along with characteristics of the referring dentists. A total of 546 referral forms was selected through systematic sampling technique, and different factors were recorded, including patient-related factors (age, gender), the reason for referral, the field of view, as well as referring dentist-related factors (specialty, experience). The mean age of the patients was 37.5 years. The most recorded reason for referral was implant site assessment (46.7%), followed by evaluation of root proximity to the adjacent anatomic structures (13.2%). The highest number of referrals came from the oral and maxillofacial surgery departments (36.1%), followed by periodontology (20.5%). Most referrals were requested by postgraduate students, and most evaluations involved a narrow field of view (54.6%). The use of CBCT appears to be needed by most specialties, despite a predominance of use by oral surgeons and periodontics. Implant site assessment represented the most common reason for the referral for CBCT.