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Routine dental X-rays are not backed by evidence

(arstechnica.com)
352 points keithly | 2 comments | 14 Oct 24 21:37 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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pandatigox ◴[15 Oct 24 05:59 UTC] No.41845382[source]▶
Current final year dental student pitching in here. While dentists of the past may push for unnecessary annual radiographs, the curriculum in dental school has changed to favour evidence-based dentistry. Annual bitewings are only indicated if you're a high caries risk, and, as the article mentions, 2-3 years if you're low caries risk. So your younger/newer dentist will be following much better protocols (and hopefully not scamming you)!
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1. bdjsiqoocwk ◴[15 Oct 24 06:34 UTC] No.41845600[source]▶
I'm glad curriculum is improving, but nothing stops a dentist from overtreating of is so decides, and the incentive is there.
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2. pandatigox ◴[15 Oct 24 07:31 UTC] No.41845865[source]▶
I think that applies to any industry! Like nothing is stopping a car mechanic from overcharging you. But dental treatments need to be clinically justifiable, so I'm sure any well-meaning dentist will happily explain their reasoning for any treatment.

Patients regularly push back on some treatments I've recommended, and I've always enjoyed the discussion. If a dentist is offended, then something is not right