Three-dimensional imaging systems now have new new guidelines for dentists. This has been extended to scanners for UK and European practitioners.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), which gives a similar kind of image as a medical CT scan, is now available in high-street dental practices to give high-definition, three-dimensional scans of patients’ jaws and teeth.
However, CBCT carries an increased risk associated with greater radiation dose than traditional dental X-rays.
The guidelines hope to serve to establish the safe and ethical use of CBCT.
In many European countries, dentists can purchase and use CBCT without any additional training. This caused for many to want to establish some guidelines.
Among the guidelines about are when CBCT examinations may be justified, as well information about training, equipment and safety measures.
Adapted from materials provided by University of Manchester, via AlphaGalileo.