Selection Criteria in Dental Radiography

This is a seminal publication of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

The publication marked the standardisation of dental radiography and now provides the dental profession with a set of evidence based criteria in order to minimse radiation exposure to dental patients and staff.

Key recommendations were in the area of bitewing radiography where intervals between bitewing screening radiographs checking for dental caries between teeth were recommended based on patient risk of disease. The patient is considered to be either High, medium or low risk of dental decay. The interval between bitewings is recommended to be either 6, 12 or 18 months plus accordingly.

The effect of this has been to ensure that via a process of clinical governance and clinical audit, the number of radiation exposures to patients is minimised, while allowing clinical decisions to be made based on good radiographs, improving patient outcomes.

The second edition of 'Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography' has been fully revised and updated. Several sections have been updated in light of new evidence and research findings while others, such as the use of digital radiography, have been expanded to reflect an increasing use in general dental practice. These selection criteria also conform to the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000, and help practitioners form a sound basis for clinical decisions.