Radiographic Selection Criteria

Please Note this course is currently under revision.

This continuing education course will present and discuss the latest recommendations for prescribing radiographic examinations to assist dentists in the optimal application of radiation safety measures and the appropriate selection of patients for diagnostic imaging.^1,2 These recommendations recapitulate and update the 2012 document and provide decision-making guidance on applicable imaging modalities as well as the safety measures and practices that undergird and support imaging procedures and systems.^1-3 The updated guidance takes the form of consensus recommendations due to limitations in the available evidence acquired from a comprehensive review of dental radiation safety research, guidance from national and international agencies, and regulatory standards,^1,2 Clinicians should base imaging decisions on the patient’s medical and dental histories, clinical examination findings, disease risk assessments, and the presence of specific clinical conditions.¹ Prior to any radiographic examination, previous radiographs should be obtained and reviewed, and any imaging procedure, particularly cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), should be prescribed judiciously to minimize patient radiation exposure.¹ When properly utilized, radiographic imaging examinations contribute to dental treatment decisions that optimize patient care.¹

In addition, radiographic imaging should be individualized for each patient and should never be based on administrative or arbitrary requirements such as insurance coverage, a fixed time schedule, nor convenience.¹ The goal of applying radiographic recommendations is to eliminate unnecessary patient exposures in adherence to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and with CBCT, ALADA (As Low As Diagnostically Acceptable) Principles while maximizing diagnostic yield.⁴