What to look for when choosing a CBCT for a UK practice

Most of the conversations I have with dentists about cone beam CT start with a brand name. Someone has seen a Carestream CS 8200 3D at a show, or a colleague has an Acteon unit, and the question is "which one is best?" The honest answer is that the best CBCT is the one that matches the work you actually do, fits your room, and is properly supported for the next decade. This is the checklist I'd use if I were buying one for a UK practice.

1. Start with your clinical cases, not the spec sheet

Write down what you will scan in a typical month. Single implant sites, third molars and localised endodontic problems need a small-to-medium field of view (FOV) at good resolution. Full-arch implant planning, guided surgery and some orthodontic or airway work need a larger volume. If your work is mostly endodontics, resolution and the ability to choose a small, high-detail volume matter more than a big FOV. The 360V guide to the best CBCT for endodontics goes into that use case in more detail.

2. Field of view options

Look at the list of volumes the unit actually offers, not just the largest one. A range of FOVs lets you collimate to the region of interest, which is good practice under IR(ME)R and keeps dose as low as reasonably practicable. Ask whether you can upgrade the FOV later by licence, and whether the machine can stitch volumes.

3. Image quality and dose

Voxel size is only part of the story; noise, artefact handling (especially around metal restorations and implants) and low-dose modes matter in daily use. Ask to see real scans from the exact model, ideally of cases like yours. Published cases help here too: for example, how CBCT helped reveal a hidden canal and impacted wisdom teeth touching the nerve show the kind of detail that matters in day-to-day work. Ask about low-dose or child protocols and how easy it is for staff to choose the right protocol every time.

4. 2D capability: OPG and ceph

Many practices replace an ageing panoramic unit with a combined 2D/3D machine. If you need panoramic imaging, check the 2D image quality as carefully as the 3D. If you need cephalometric imaging for orthodontics, confirm whether a ceph arm is available and whether it can be added later.

5. Software and workflow

The software is where you spend your time. Check how the viewer handles implant planning, nerve canal tracing, export in DICOM, and merging with intraoral scans (STL) to plan crown-first. Ask what it exports to guided surgery software, whether referrers can view scans easily, and how many workstation licences are included. The case study from CBCT scan to guided implant placement walks through that workflow end to end. If you are planning to use a single supplier's ecosystem, see how the CBCT works with their intraoral scanner too.

6. Comparing models fairly

When dentists ask me about Carestream versus Acteon, I suggest comparing like for like: equivalent FOV, the same type of case, the same exposure settings. 360V has written a direct comparison of the Carestream CS 8200 and Acteon X-Mind Optima, and the which CBCT guide walks through the wider range. Both brands have strengths; the right choice depends on your cases, software preference and room.

7. The room and the paperwork

Before you order, you will need a room assessment. Your Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) should advise on shielding and controlled area arrangements, and the installer will need to carry out a critical examination once it is installed. Check the footprint, weight, power and network requirements against the space you have. Ask for the pre-installation pack early so your builder and IT provider can plan.

8. Training and reporting

Anyone referring for, justifying or reporting CBCT needs appropriate training. Every scan must be justified and clinically evaluated, including the whole volume, not just the area you were interested in. I've written separately about whether you need a CBCT reporting course. Budget time for the team to be trained on acquisition and for clinicians to be trained in interpretation and reporting, or arrange a reporting service for larger volumes.

9. Installation, service and support

A CBCT is a long-term piece of equipment. Ask who installs it, who calibrates it, who trains your team, and who answers the phone when it stops working on a busy Monday. Check how remote support works, typical response times, parts availability, and what a service contract covers. Downtime on a CBCT can mean cancelled implant consultations, so support matters as much as specification.

10. Buy, finance or rent

There is more than one way to pay. Outright purchase, finance and rental all have trade-offs in cash flow, tax treatment and what is bundled in (servicing, for example). Talk to your accountant and get quotes based on your own caseload rather than headline figures. I've covered what drives the price in how much does a CBCT cost? [Placeholder: Pete to add any approved wording on finance/rental options]

My short checklist

• List the cases you will scan and the FOVs they need.
• See real scans from the exact model.
• Check 2D (pan/ceph) needs now and later.
• Test the software: planning, nerve tracing, STL merge, guide export.
• Get the room assessed by your RPA early.
• Plan training for operators and reporters.
• Ask hard questions about installation, servicing and response times.

Compare CBCTs: which CBCT is right for you? →

FAQ

What field of view do I need for implant planning?

It depends on the case. Single sites can often be covered by a small-to-medium volume; full-arch planning needs a larger one. Choose a unit with a range of FOVs so you can collimate to the area of interest.

Is a Carestream CS 8200 better than an Acteon CBCT?

Neither is universally better. Compare equivalent volumes on cases like yours, and weigh software, room fit and support. A neutral side-by-side comparison is a good starting point.

Do I need special training to use a CBCT?

Yes. Referrers, operators and those who evaluate or report CBCT images need appropriate training, and every exposure must be justified under IR(ME)R.

Why are there no prices in this article?

CBCT pricing depends on configuration, software, finance and support options. Ask a supplier for a quote based on your own requirements.