Review of cone beam computed tomography guidelines in North America

The aim of this article is to investigate, study, and summarize cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-related guidelines offered by relevant organizations and associations within North America to provide the dental practitioner a clearer direction on the practice of CBCT-related procedures in North America.

Scientific databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, MedLine, and Web of Science were used for the search of relevant literature on the CBCT guidelines developed in North America. In addition, the World Wide Web was searched for comparative CBCT guidelines nationally or internationally using the same search strategies.

In 1999, the American Dental Association (ADA) recognized Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology as the ninth dental specialty in the United States. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) issued their first statement on the use of CBCT in 2008. There have since been several statements issued, independently or jointly with other specialty organizations, related to the use and interpretation of the CBCT volumes. The guidelines identified Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists (OMR) as providers of interpretative services, portrayed as key players in the dissemination of information related to CBCT, implementation of CBCT-related services and radiation protection, as well as interpretation assistance for CBCT volumes, especially medium to large volumes covering anatomical areas of head and neck, considered beyond the scope of a general dentist. Regulations concerning radiation-producing devices are promulgated through state health codes and practice acts. Selection criteria and interpretation of imaging studies are left to the clinician's choice and abilities.