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Testing a Novel 3D Printed Radiographic Imaging Device for Use in Forensic Odontology
Author(s) -
Newcomb Tara L.,
Bruhn Ann M.,
Giles Bridget,
Garcia Hector M.,
Diawara Norou
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.13230
Subject(s) - forensic odontology , 3d printed , dental radiography , wax , dentistry , significant difference , radiography , medical physics , medicine , hard tissue , computer science , orthodontics , biomedical engineering , radiology , materials science , composite material
There are specific challenges related to forensic dental radiology and difficulties in aligning X‐ray equipment to teeth of interest. Researchers used 3D printing to create a new device, the combined holding and aiming device ( CHAD ), to address the positioning limitations of current dental X‐ray devices. Participants ( N = 24) used the CHAD , soft dental wax, and a modified external aiming device ( MEAD ) to determine device preference, radiographer's efficiency, and technique errors. Each participant exposed six X‐rays per device for a total of 432 X‐rays scored. A significant difference was found at the 0.05 level between the three devices ( p = 0.0015), with the MEAD having the least amount of total errors and soft dental wax taking the least amount of time. Total errors were highest when participants used soft dental wax—both the MEAD and the CHAD performed best overall. Further research in forensic dental radiology and use of holding devices is needed.