Why CT scans are already the standard of care

It is difficult to identify when a procedure or technique transforms from a standard of excellence into the standard of care. And while it may be equally difficult to know when a new technology, technique, product, or therapy emerges as a part of many of the local dental opinion makers armamentarium, there is a time when a dentist can no longer say, "I know about this or that, but I choose not to recommend it for my patients." Futhermore, one of the reasons for taking a 3-D CT scan is not because something is suspected that may interfere or alter the patient's treatment. Rather, CT scans should be recommended for the unexpected, to make certain we're not missing anything even though for all appearances, the 2-D X-rays look "normal." At the time of this writing, a prominent California lawyer is consulting with major dental insurance companies to create a new "Informed Refusal" document. This document suggests that dentists not only recommend 3-D imaging for complex cases, but that they have the patient sign a document should they refuse to do so. The converse may also exist. Will it be malpractice not to make the recommendation and subsequently not need to provide the "Informed Refusal" for the patients signature? You be the judge.