Research Upholds Beneficial Aspects of Rectangular Collimation

To make optimal intraoral radiographs, the new 2012 dental x-ray guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should be followed carefully. In addition, the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMFR) strongly recommends use of the paralleling technique for intraoral radiography, too. Alternative techniques can be used only if the paralleling technique is not possible, such as for anatomical reasons. On page 14 of the revised 2012 ADA/FDA recommendations document entitled “Dental Radiographic Examinations: Recommendations for Patient Selection and Limiting Radiation Exposure,” it is clearly mentioned that collimation of the beam to the size of the receptor, whenever feasible, is an example of good radiologic practice. All these recommendations and guidelines are based on a growing body of evidence regarding benefits of rectangular collimation.  Radiation Dose: A report by Ludlow and colleagues that was pu more...