Introduction

The Image Gently in Dentistry Campaign is designed to improve safety and effectiveness of pediatric imaging of the maxillofacial complex by informing dental professionals and parents about radiation safety best practices. The campaign, supported by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and other dental specialty groups, in concert with the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, aims to raise awareness of the special considerations required in pediatric dental radiology, outlined in a “Six Step Plan.” The plan is based on the concepts of justification on the use and reduction of radiographic exposure in accordance with the As Low As Diagnostically Acceptable, (ALADA) principle.

A critical goal of the Alliance is to advertise and conduct outreach programs that recommend ways to standardize clinical workflow and ensure that each member of the imaging team uses the most appropriate examinations and amount of radiation dose when imaging children. The Alliance provides guidance in specific areas of diagnostic imaging, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), digital radiography, computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, interventional radiography and nuclear medicine. After implementation of the recommendations, radiation safety in pediatric imaging will be improved.

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Medical Physicists Should Join the Movement—

Image Gently… in Dentistry

Safe, Effective Dental X Rays for Children—

There is no question:  X Rays help dentists care for children.

As imaging professionals we know radiation matters!  Children are more sensitive to radiation.  What we do now lasts their lifetime.  So when we image, let’s Image Gently!

We should encourage our dental colleagues:

·         Select x rays for individual’s needs, not merely as a routine

·         Use the fastest image receptor possible: E- or F-speed film or digital sensors

·         Collimate beam to area of interest

·         Always use thyroid collars

·         Child-size the exposure time

·         Use cone-beam CT when appropriate

·         Use dose cone-bean CT option if available and appropriate

Yes, I want to image gently!

Recognizing that every member of the healthcare team plays a vital role in caring for the patient and wants to provide the best care, I pledge:

• To make the image gently message a priority in staff communications this year
• To review the protocol recommendations and, where necessary, implement adjustments to our processes
• To respect and listen to suggestions from every member of the team on ways to ensure changes are made
• To communicate openly with parents
• To spread the word in my practice, clinic, hospital, institution

Thank you for committing to the goal to image gently when you image or treat children.