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November 30, 2000
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: All Clinical Faculty
FROM:
Dr. John A. Valenza
Dr. Kenneth Abramovitch SUBJECT: Guidelines for Ordering Dental Radiographs As you are aware, the Dental Branch follows the FDA Guidelines for Prescribing Radiographic Exposures on Patients [Acrobat Reader required]. These guidelines can also be found in a condensed form in the Clinic Manual, Appendix 3E. Students are provided this information during the sophomore didactic radiology curriculum (Oral Radiology I - 2703) as well as the Introduction to Clinic Course in the fall of the second year. While we do an excellent job in radiographic selection for new patients, our decision-making as a faculty for adult recall patients appears to be inconsistent. Frequently, the choice of radiographs at recall seems dependent solely upon when was the last time radiographs were taken without taking into account other factors such as caries risk, predisposing factors for periodontal disease, existing periodontal and periapical disease, quality of existing restorations, changes in systemic health that may affect oral disease processes and the overall treatment history. Please review these guidelines carefully so that we may practice and reinforce appropriate radiographic selection when treating patients. Should you have any questions or need further information, please contact Dr. Abramovitch or myself. Thank you. JAV/dn
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