Management of oral and maxillofacial radiology clinics in Taiwan's dental schools

Objectives: To investigate management of Taiwanese dental school Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMFR) clinics and to suggest alternative management strategies. Methods: A management questionnaire was designed for the faculty responsible for teaching the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology curriculum. Results: Data from all seven Taiwanese schools indicated inadequate supervision of the prescription of radiological examinations in the absence of guidelines. Most schools are understaffed and not properly equipped. There is a significant shortage of trained dentists in the field of OMFR. In some schools no dentist is involved in the management of OMFR clinics. Some aspects of quality assurance procedures should be enhanced. An average of 21.4% of films were reported lost, with the highest rate at 40%, demonstrating serious problems in image archiving. Clinician satisfaction with clinic management averaged 74.3%, with a minimum of 50%. Conclusion: A set of standards is recommended by the Taiwanese OMFR Association after reviewing the survey findings. Prescription for OMFR examination should be supervised by licensed clinicians, and there is a need for guidelines. Trained and dedicated personnel should be assigned for the management of OMFR clinics. More quality assurance procedures should be performed. A computer-based image archiving system is desirable.