General legal aspects of diagnostic dental radiography

Recent concern about the effect of ionizing radiation on man has focused attention on the frequent use of diagnostic radiographs in dentistry. The clinician is expected to conduct his actions according to guidelines which reflect new information and changing technology in diagnostic dental radiography. Failure to do so may have severe legal consequences. Protection of the patient must be a matter of normal course, for each time the federal or state governments legislate toward safety in the healing arts, health professionals lose credibility and the confidence of the public. Implications of the federal radiation protection guidelines are discussed.