Patient Selection for Dental Radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography

The current update of the 2012 selection criteria guidelines provides consensus-driven recommendations and decision-making guidance for the use of various imaging modalities in general and pediatric dental practices.^1,3 With advances in radiographic imaging, the use of CBCT has increased necessitating further guidance on the use of this 3D imaging modality.¹ The updated recommendations address the appropriate indicators for patient selection, timing, and the frequency of diagnostic imaging, including both 2D and 3D imaging.¹ The guidelines, however, are not a substitute for the clinical judgement of the dentist nor do they guarantee specific patient outcomes.¹ It is expected that the radiation safety measures previously described are incorporated alongside the recommendations for prescribing dental radiographic examinations.¹ With regard to CBCT, the dentist who orders or uses this technology for patient imaging is responsible for the interpretation of all findings within the scanned volume including regions beyond the area of interest.¹ This is both a legal and professional requirement and the standard of care for interpretation regardless if the dentist is a radiology specialist or not.¹ As such, when expertise is lacking or the case is complex, referral to an oral and maxillofacial radiologist is recommended to provide optimal patient care and to mitigate risk.¹