The American Dental Association (ADA) has produced new recommendations for dentists over the use of radiographic exams. These new recommendations have been produced by an expert panel, and aim to improve safety for dentists and their patients. These recommendations will result in some changes to dentistry.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has issued new guidance and recommendations over the use of radiographic exams [1].
These new guidelines mark a departure from previous advice that has been used consistently in the past. The new advice comes from an expert panel.
The changes aim to improve protection for both dentists and patients. Dentists will need to take these recommendations on board.
Background
Radiography is a very important part of modern-day dentistry. It refers to the use of X-Rays – called radiographs – which produce detailed images of a patient’s mouth.
Radiographs help a dentist to analyze the teeth of their patients. An X-Ray can help to identify any tooth decay, bone loss, gum disease or an infection. They aid a dentist in their diagnosis of dental problems.
The research also took into account something called Cone Beam computed tomography, which is a type of X-ray machine which is used at times where a regular dental X-ray doesn’t provide sufficient detail [2].
However, there are risks involved in radiography. Research shows that long-term exposure to dental X-rays can in some cases result in extreme conditions like brain tumours and thyroid dancer [3].
Therefore, looking at the safety of radiography is very important. It is important to state that dental clinics have measures in place to limit the damage of X-rays, with dentists taking precautions against harm.
The Guidelines
The guidelines have been formulated by an expert panel. Their main focus has been on radiography – which is a key part of healthcare.
Subsequently, the recommendations have been published via the Journal of the American Dental Association [1].
These recommendations have come after an analysis of 95 existing research articles, guidance documents and regulations based on radiography [1]. Moreover, this analysis allowed the team to analyse the overall safety profile of radiography.
The ADA recommend that prior to taking radiographs, dentists should consider what diagnostic information is required from the images, in order to benefit patient care and improve clinical outcomes [1].
Furthermore, the ADA suggested thyroid and abdominal shielding during dental imaging is no longer recommended. Also, they recommend that the use of protective shielding should be discontinued [1].
This is based on how lead aprons and thyroid collars – which are normally used by dentists for protective shielding – can actually block the X-ray beam, which can mean an X-ray picture isn’t captured correctly [1].
Instead, the ADA have said that evidence suggests modern digital radiography equipment, along with restricting the X-ray size to only the area that needs to be captured, can better protect dentists and patients alike [1].
In regards to cone bean computed tomography, the recommendations also state that this should only ever be used when regular X-rays have not provided the required diagnostic information [1].
There are other, smaller recommendations put forward. For example, the ADA have also recommended ensuring that patients are positioned properly for the most accurate X-ray pictures, and the need to adhere to any federal or state regulations on radiation safety [1].
The ADA believe that these recommendations will improve protection against radiation in dental radiography and the aforementioned cone beam computed tomography [1].
Summary
Understanding and acting upon the implications of radiation is important. These recommendations should help dental clinics to achieve this.
These recommendations will hopefully improve safety for both dentists and patients. The recommendations apply to all patients, regardless of their age or health [1].
Dr. Purnima Kumar is the Professor of Dentistry at the University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry. He also chairs the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs – who produced the recommendations [4].
Commenting, Kumar said that the ADA “encourage dentists and their teams to review these best-practice recommendations, comply with radiation protection regulations and talk with their patients about any questions or concerns before ordering dental imaging” [4].
These recommendations are important for everyone in dentistry. It can improve safety for dentists, dental clinic staff, and patients, along with providing other benefits.
Thinking points…
1) These recommendations are unlikely to impact patients too much, so there is no need to change your regular dental appointment schedule. We recommend that you visit the dentist at least twice a year. At a regular check-up, a dentist can have a thorough look at your mouth, provide advice and suggest treatment if needed. If you are due an appointment, we recommend booking now!
2) When reading this article, you may feel concerned about the use of X-rays in dental clinics. However, please do not worry! There are many safety precautions in place which ensure safety for both patients and clinicians. If you have any questions or worries, we recommend speaking to your dentist at your next appointment!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Benavides, E., Krecioch, J. R., Connolly, R. T., Allareddy, T., Buchanan, A., Spelic, D., O’Brien, K. K., Keels, M. A., Mascarenhas, A. K., Duong, M-L., Aeme-Bowe, M. J., Ziegler, K. M., & Lipman, R. D. (2024). Optimizing radiation safety in dentistry. The Journal of the American Dental Association. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2023.12.002.
[2] RadiologyInfo.org. (2022). Dental Cone Beam CT. Available: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/dentalconect. Last accessed: 9th February 2024.
[3] Hwang, S-Y., Choi, E-S., Kim, Y-S., Gim, B-E., Ha, M., & Kim, H-Y. (2018). Health effects from exposure to dental diagnostic X-ray. Environmental Health and Toxicology. 33 (4): e2018017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5620%2Feht.e2018017.
[4] Versaci, M. B. (2024). Using thyroid collars during radiographic exams no longer recommended by ADA. Available: https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2024/january/using-thyroid-collars-during-radiographic-exams-no-longer-recommended-by-ada/. Last accessed: 9th February 2024.
