Radiographic selection protocol for new and recall patients in U.S. and Canadian dental schools

Area of Science:

• Dental Radiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Dental radiography practices are evolving, with a shift towards individualized patient assessment.
• Guidelines from regulatory bodies and professional organizations influence the frequency of radiological examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current trends in dental radiographic prescription practices in Canadian and U.S. dental schools.
• To evaluate the adoption of evidence-based selection criteria for dental radiographs.

Main Methods:

• Survey of dental schools regarding their policies on prescribing radiographs for new and recall patients.
• Analysis of compliance with national guidelines for radiation control in dentistry.

Main Results:

• A majority of Canadian dental schools comply with the Canadian Dental Association's radiation guidelines.
• Most U.S. dental schools are increasingly adopting recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for radiation exposure.
• There is a general trend towards using individual selection criteria before requesting radiographs.

Conclusions:

• Dental schools are increasingly adopting individualized selection criteria for dental radiographs.
• Adherence to radiation safety guidelines and recommendations is growing, emphasizing clinical judgment.
• Current guidelines serve as recommendations, acknowledging that universal application may not always be feasible.