DON’T REQUIRE dental radiography exams WITHOUT a valid working diagnosis, clearly stated in the clinical prescription

DON’T REQUIRE dental radiography exams WITHOUT a valid working diagnosis, clearly stated in the clinical prescription

Type of practice

Imaging

Age

Adult, Geriatric, Pediatric

Topic Area

Odontostomatology

The prescription of radiographic examinations in dentistry must always be preceded by a careful evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a thorough physical examination and the acquisition of previous radiological examinations. Radiological examinations are a useful tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic planning. Good practice: PRESCRIBE X-ray examinations (intraoral X-rays, orthopantomography, Cone Beam CT, CT) only AFTER patient clinical examination and only in presence of a VALID WORKING DIAGNOSIS that must be specified in the clinical request.

Sources

1. American Dental association. Dental radiographic examinations: recommendations for patient selection and limiting radiation exposure, revised: 2012. Council on Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration
2. Smith NJ. Selection criteria for dental radiography. Br Dent J 1992;173(4):120-1.
3. Hintze H. Screening with conventional and digital bite-wing radiography compared to clinical examination alone for caries detection in low-risk children. Caries Res 1993;27(6):499-504.
4.Martínez Beneyto Y, Alcaráz Banos M, Pérez Lajarin L, Rushton VE. Clinical justification of dental radiology in adult patients: a review of the literature.
Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2007 May 1;12(3):E244-51

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Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.