Oral radiology. An expanding technology in search of a direction

Oral radiology still seems to be expanding depending upon increasing availability of dental care. It is widely used more or less routinely, although investigations on efficacy, cost-benefit, and cost-effectiveness are sparse. Such studies should be encouraged and decision-making courses included in dental curricula. Decision-making aids and clinical algorithms should be developed to increase efficiency of oral radiology and to help in the abandonment of its routine use.