Optimization Of CBCT Radiation Dose Using Pediatric Head Phantom Imaging

This study aimed to evaluate the dose reduction level for Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in pediatric patients using a clinical phantom and image quality assessment and to determine the optimal low-dose protocol for clinical application. Two CBCT devices were used for imaging (Device A and Device B). The standard pediatric settings (A: 85 kVp, 11 mAs, 14 s; B: 95 kVp, 5.7 mAs, 15 s) were modified by attaching copper plates of varying thicknesses to the x-ray source, creating dose area product (DAP, mGy·cm²) reduction levels of 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%. Phantom images were acquired under these five conditions and assessed by two oral radiologists. The optimal low-dose setting was determined based on the evaluation results. As DAP decreased, image quality declined, though differences between devices were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In Device A, the 60% DAP level (40% dose reduction) maintained clinically acceptable image quality, while in Device B, the 40% DAP level (60% dose reduction) was optimal. This study confirms that a low-dose CBCT protocol may be applicable for pediatric patients while maintaining diagnostic image quality. These findings may contribute to the establishment of clinical guidelines that minimize pediatric radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic utility.