Summary

The latest recommendations for prescribing radiographic examinations recapitulate and update the 2012 document.^1-3 Decision-making guidance on the applicable imaging modalities as well as the safety measures and practices that undergird and support imaging procedures and systems are provided.^1-3 Clinical indicators for patient selection, the timing and frequency of diagnostic imaging, and the use of relevant imaging modalities for general and pediatric dentistry are provided to facilitate decision-making.^1-2

The clinical recommendations are meant to serve as a framework to support the professional judgment of general and pediatric dentists.¹ Imaging decisions should be made on the basis of comprehensive clinical examination along with a thorough review of the patient’s medical, dental, and clinical histories.¹ Radiographic exposure should be justified when the potential diagnostic or treatment benefit outweighs the associated risks.¹ The goal of applying radiographic imaging recommendations and safety practice is to eliminate unnecessary patient exposures while maximizing diagnostic yield.⁴