Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

• Salma Tabatabaei ¹
• Shahram Hamedani ²

¹ Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

² Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Abstract

This commentary critically examines recent dental radiation safety recommendations, highlighting overlooked practical and ethical concerns. Key issues include the controversial removal of routine thyroid shielding, insufficient adaptation for low-resource settings, and restrictive guidance on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) use. The shift from ALARA to ALADA, while well-intentioned, may inadvertently permit excessive imaging in the absence of clearly defined diagnostic thresholds and audit mechanisms. Additionally, the lack of prioritization and manufacturer-specific dose data hampers clinical implementation. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), which have demonstrated potential for dose optimization, quality assurance, and decision support in dental imaging, remain underrepresented in current guidelines. The article advocates for more balanced, adaptable, and forward-looking safety protocols in oral and maxillofacial radiology.

Keywords

• Dental Radiation safety
• Imaging protocols
• CBCT guidelines