According to Dr. John Flucke, DPR Technology Editor, the process of digital radiography is simple, reliable and provides images that are nothing short of amazing. At this point in time if you’re still using film, the long shadow of Father Time is gaining on you… faster than you can probably imagine.

To put it succinctly, digital radiography is no longer a matter of “if,” it’s a matter of “when."

Our recent Tech Census Survey polled dental professionals about where they currently stand on digital radiography technologies.

Related: Browse Digital Radiography Systems

Seventy-seven percent of 93 respondents said they currently have a digital radiography system in their dental practice, while 40% of the those who do not have one plan to purchase one before the year is up.

According to survey responses, pricing and financing options are the most influential factors in future plans to upgrade from film to digital radiography for dentists. Ninety percent of respondents said they do not plan to purchase any digital radiography technologies because the cost is too high and there's no clear ROI.

Image quality and patient comfort are the second and third most influential factors in the decision to purchase a digital radiography system among respondents.

Dentists noted that staff apprehension is another leading factor keeping them from upgrading to digital radiography.

One solution is to consult with your staff to get their opinions on which systems they would prefer and why. Also have an “all hands” staff meeting to discuss the plan to move to digital as well as identify any potential problems that you or the staff foresee during implementation.

The survey asked dentists if the distributor has an influence on their decision to transition to digital radiography. Thirty-six percent of the 50 respondents said that it's somewhat important.

If you’re still using film, making the transition to digital can seem intimidating. However with the proper planning for the transition in place things can go quite smoothly. Your sales representative can provide an incredible amount of knowledge about the dos and don’ts of going digital. According to Dr. Flucke, the shopping, planning, training and integration is all worth it.

Here's a Roundup of 2D Digital X-Ray Products:

Planmeca ProMax pan or pan/ceph

Any existing film or 2D digital Planmeca ProMax unit can be easily upgraded to a ProMax 3D unit and new imaging programs can be added with software upgrades, ensuring superior maxillofacial radiographs every time

Schick CDR Elite Sensors

The Schick CDR Elite combines truly outstanding image quality, an easy-to-use design and a robust, hard-wearing construction, to provide an intraoral radiography experience that is truly Elite.

J. Morita Veraviewepocs® 2D

Veraviewepocs® 2D offers crystal clear panoramic and cephalometric images with low effective dose. Designed for versatility, the 2D model can be upgraded to 3D at a later date.

DEXIS Platinum Sensor

The DEXIS Platinum Sensor is a breakthrough direct-USB digital X-ray solution. We have refined our single-sensor concept and made it even more portable, even more comfortable. And with new PureImage™ technology, the image quality is now even more remarkable.