Are Dental X-rays Risky Business?

The Bottom Line

Now that I have made the argument based on reduction of patient x-ray dose by the use of selection criteria and the rectangular collimation, let’s make the argument based on ROI (return on investment). For the radiologist reading this article, yes I know, ROI in our paradigm means “region of interest”. But for clinical colleagues these two uses of the acronym ROI are not mutually exclusive – nor should it be.

Dentists delegate x-ray procedures for almost all patients that walk through the doors of their office. New patient examinations, re-care examinations, orthodontic examinations emergency examinations, growth and development examinations, pain evaluation, TMJ evaluation, paranasal sinus evaluation, airway analysis, and pre-surgical evaluation of third molars for possible extraction are just some of the ways that dentists and dental specialists must evaluate their patients. I’m a radiologist. I am not saying take these x-ray examinations to make money. IT JUST HAPPENS! The x-ray procedure has the biggest “margin” of any procedure performed in the dental office. You don’t do a crown every day or an implant, but you do order radiographs!

Even with the use of selection criteria to minimize the number of x-rays taken, the average clinician will generate substantial revenue from their x-ray procedures. If you don’t believe me just use your practice management software for producing a “productivity report”. Instead of generating a generic report, only query your software for productivity related to the procedures for radiographs – all the CDT codes in the “2” series. If you run this report for six months you will be shocked to see the income generated. Your shock will be translated into the absolute need to purchase and use the best equipment available, the fastest receptors available, and will justify your move to a total digital x-ray environment. Clinicians who I have directed to perform this procedure has been both rewarded and motivated to contemporize their x-ray procedures and devices. Those who have been resistant to leaving film behind have happily made the move and suffered no regret.

Summary

Compared to daily risks we take, x-rays are safe. After clinical and historical examination of the patient the majority of x-rays are necessary. The clinician must take all steps possible to reduce x-ray exposure dose to his or her patient. Selection criteria and contemporary devices such as the ones that incorporate rectangular collimation, simply an economically are the best way to improve your practice, allay your patients’ fears and doubts about x-ray exposures and increase the “bottom line” of your practice. Again, where’s the downside? And, what are you waiting for?