[Safe and effective use of ionising radiation]

Radiographs are a usefull diagnostic tool on the condition that certain safety measures are exercised. The knowledge and skilfulness of the dentist are important factors in reducing the dose to the patient. Periodical assessment of the X-ray equipment and refresher courses are therefore essential in maintaining the quality of the radiodiagnostic procedure. Computer aided diagnosis will be increasingly important for the diagnostic process: more and more information on dental abnormalities will be obtained with a decreasing radiation dose.