An audit of image quality of three dental cone beam computed tomography units

•Critical analysis of image quality of three different cone beam computer tomography scanners.•Images were categorised as being of either acceptable or unacceptable quality. Reasons for rejection of studies are discussed.•Based on the findings highlighted in the paper, techniques to improve image quality are discussed.

Critical analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image quality is recommended as part of a quality assurance program.1,2 There are few papers3 in the literature concerning subjective image quality on CBCT imaging.This study, performed as part of an audit, reviewed all images of the jaws performed on three different CBCT units over a twelve month period. Images were graded according to an agreed standard1 and reasons for image rejection recorded.The results demonstrated that the main reasons for image rejection were motion artefact and problems with field of view size and positioning.The need for reducing the number of rejected images in order to optimize patient dose, and ways to achieve this, are discussed