Selection criteria for dental radiography

Edited by:
  • M.E. Pendlebury,
  • K. Horner &
  • K. Eaton
Ed. UK: The Faculty of General Dental Practitioners price £30, pp108 ISBN 0954345118 | ISBN: 0-954-34511-8

This is the second edition of the only UK publication to look at selection criteria for dental radiography in all disciplines of dentistry. The review editors have successfully updated the contents where possible and modernised the appearance.

The introduction is well written and assists the reader in understanding the remainder of the publication, in particular the methodology and review process that was used. The inclusion of papers as evidence follows the SIGN methodology, and papers with an unacceptable level of bias were excluded.

The editors state 'The main value of selection criteria is in reducing the collective dose to the population by eliminating unnecessary or unproductive radiographic examination'; there is repeated reference to the importance of a thorough history and examination prior to any radiographic examination.

A number of sections have been expanded and new ones introduced. Within each section re-ordering has resulted in the more critical points being covered earlier. The section on panoramic radiography has been expanded and concludes with an important message that 'there is no justification for review panoramic radiography at arbitrary time intervals'. This is reinforced in the Good Practice section by a 'Don't: Carry out “screening” radiographs or take radiographs as “routine”.' A new section on application of digital radiography gives a clear introduction to the available technological options, and makes it clear that selection criteria is essentially no different than for film radiography. Reference to digital and other diagnostic methods also occurs within the section dealing with dental caries diagnosis. The section on radiographs in implantology has been expanded and includes reference to the relatively recent use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an option for some patients. A summary table detailing the appropriate options for implant treatment planning is included.

The index is greatly expanded, giving a good overview that improves the ease of finding specific items, and is followed by a helpful 'recommendations at a glance'.

When the first edition was published (1998), it was clear that there was a lack of strong evidence for many of the recommendations. Whilst it must have been hoped that further research would produce this evidence, there is, unfortunately, little change. The editors highlight the gaps in section 1.10, providing a useful list for future research.

Overall, this new edition is welcome and a helpful reference for educators, those studying for higher qualifications, and practitioners in all branches of dentistry.