Presentations 2020: Ortho&Paeds

368 - Should vertical bitewings be implemented to aid diagnosis and treatment planning of caries in the developing dentition?

LR Hughes
Presented by: Llion Hughes
Wrexham Dental Centre

Routine paediatric bitewings can present a challenge for dentists leading to reluctance in attempting the procedure, with poor patient co-operation, lack of space and lack of equipment being cited as reasons. Vertical bitewings are more readily tolerated even in patients as young as four years old, yet few dentists and dental care professionals are familiar with this technique. A survey was distributed amongst local general dental practitioners to assess current practice in relation to routine paediatric radiography, common barriers to the procedure, and awareness of the vertical bitewing technique. An audit was also completed comparing the diagnostic quality between horizontal and vertical bitewings in different age groups. There are no current guidelines mentioning the vertical bitewing technique, nor are there any published literature exploring the subject. The merits of vertical versus horizontal bitewings in the diagnosis of various dental complaints in the developing dentition will be discussed, and the question of whether this technique should be considered as standard practice is explored.
Consent Statement: There are no details on individual patients reported within the abstract.

Poster