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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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crimsoneer ◴[15 Oct 24 08:50 UTC] No.41846436[source]▶
Slightly worrying that evidence-based dentistry wasn't the default position (though not surprising). I'm always kind of amazed that when I look up the robust evidence for even things as common as flossing, the evidence just...doesn't seem to be there. Let alone all the myriad of dental products from various mouth washes, tooth pastes, brushes and water picks.

How we've ended up regulating medicine to the nth degree, but when it's teeth we're like "oh well, lol", continues to mystify me.

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pprotas ◴[15 Oct 24 09:23 UTC] No.41846657[source]▶
Not directly related to the topic at hand, but it amazes me how Dutch healthcare insurance does not cover dental care by default, and you have to get an extra package for that. As if dental health is not part of my regular health? Why are teeth treated differently from the rest of the body?
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1. amluto ◴[15 Oct 24 13:46 UTC] No.41848559[source]▶
It’s an interesting case study in the US. Want to see a doctor for a minor issue? Good luck knowing the price in advance. Want to see a dentist? Ask for pricing on the phone, and you’ll get it.
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2. DowagerDave ◴[15 Oct 24 17:44 UTC] No.41851046[source]▶
Not my experience in Canada. I went around to dentists and asked for their rates and none of them gave me the equivalent of a take-out menu for basic procedures. Why not?