Digital sensors offer several advantages over conventional film. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of the digital sensor?

Correct answer: B. Ease of intraoral placement and patient comfort

• A. Digital sensors require substantially less exposure than D-speed film (commonly cited as 50–80% reduction, though less dramatic against F-speed film).
• B. CORRECT — this is NOT an advantage. Rigid solid-state sensors (CCD/CMOS) are THICKER, more rigid, and bulkier than film, and they have an attached cable. They are consistently harder to position, less comfortable, and more likely to trigger the gag reflex — particularly in the maxillary molar and mandibular lingual regions and in children. Photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates are closer to film in comfort but require a scanning step.
• C. Images appear in seconds with no chemical processing, no darkroom, and no processing errors.
• D. Contrast, density, magnification, measurement, and colorization tools are all available post-capture, and images can be stored and transmitted electronically.

Note: Digital wins on dose, speed, storage, and manipulation. Film still wins on comfort and cost of entry.