DENTAL RADIOGRAPHIC PRESCRIBING PRACTICES: SURVEY OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS IN THE U.S.

Abstract

Background Potential harm from ionizing radiation has led to the development of guidelines to protect patients and practitioners from unnecessary radiation exposure; however, these guidelines may or may not be followed in practice. Objective This study surveyed U.S. dental hygienists with regard to radiology policies in the workplace. Methods The survey, consisting of 62 knowledge and practice items regarding use of dental radiography, was based on the 2012 publication by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): “Dental Radiographic Examinations: Recommendations for Patient Selection & Limiting Radiation Exposure.” The study was granted exempt status by the Texas AM for adolescent patients, corporate and general dental practices preferred to make bitewing images every 12 months, whereas educational institutions preferred to make bitewing images every 18 months (P Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that some dental practices are not strictly following the ADA/FDA guidelines with regard to frequency of radiographic exposures.