Learning, Accessing, and Choosing Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Survey of Endodontists and Endodontic Specialty Students

Objective: This study aims to examine the views of endodontic specialists and postgraduate students in endodontics practicing in Turkey on the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods: A total of 172 participants completed the CBCT-ASAU scale, which includes six factors: use in complicated cases (A1), measurement of proximity to adjacent anatomy and trauma assessment (A2), diagnostic and treatment planning (A3), ideal imaging (A4), access to CBCT (A5), and use according to lesion size (A6). Data were analyzed based on gender, CBCT training, professional experience, academic title, institution type, geographic region, and CBCT usage, using t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Gender, academic title, institution type, and professional seniority did not show significant effects on CBCT attitudes (p > 0.05). CBCT training significantly influenced A2 and A6 scores (p < 0.05). CBCT users scored significantly higher than non-users in most factors (A1, A2, A3, A5, A6; p < 0.05). Overall, training, experience and actual CBCT use were associated with more positive attitudes and higher reported use. Conclusion: The findings indicate that CBCT education and practical experience play key roles in endodontists’ and trainees’ attitudes toward CBCT use. The CBCT-ASAU tool shows potential for assessing clinical adoption and guiding educational strategies in endodontics.