Exposure to dental radiation--a perspective.

The aim of every operator should always be to expose the patient to as close to zero radiation as possible. The amounts of radiation received form correctly taken dental radiographs are comparable to the background radiation received by the population. The average increase in exposure to the patient to radiation on an annual basis is not significant, and , without the information obtained from the radiographs, a complete dental assessment cannot be made. Provided that the operator is taking radiographs only after a clinical assessment has been made that they are required at that stage and provided that minimal doses and maximal radiation protection are ensured, the additional amount of radiation to the patient is low. Because of the probable advantages a the patient under these circumstances, the operator should not hesitate to take the necessary radiographs.