Dental radiographs are an important diagnostic tool in paediatric dentistry and may be necessary for diagnosing dental caries, eruption disturbances, trauma, periodontal disease, and other oral pathologies. However, children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation, and imaging must be prescribed judiciously.
Clinical examination should always precede radiographic imaging, and the decision to obtain radiographs should be based on individual patient needs.
Core principles include:
Radiographic imaging should balance diagnostic benefit with the need to minimize radiation exposure in paediatric patients.
Paediatric Dental Imaging Submi…
The frequency of radiographic examinations should be determined based on clinical examination, caries risk, periodontal risk, medical history, and trauma history.
(Consensus-based statement; Global agreement: 97%)
Radiographs should be obtained when clinically indicated for diagnosis of dental trauma, eruption disturbances, pathology, or treatment evaluation.
(Consensus-based statement; Global agreement: 93%)
Periapical radiographs are recommended as the first-line imaging modality for diagnosing dental trauma.
(Evidence-based recommendation)
Cone beam computed tomography should not be used as a routine replacement for conventional radiography in caries detection.
(Consensus-based statement; Global agreement: 87%)
CBCT may be considered when conventional imaging does not provide sufficient diagnostic information, such as in cases of trauma or impacted teeth.
(Consensus-based statement; Global agreement: 97%)
Radiographs should always be prescribed using radiation protection principles such as rectangular collimation, optimized positioning, and dose-reduction techniques.
(Consensus-based recommendation; Global agreement: 97%)
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
The IAPD podcast series explores evidence-based approaches to paediatric dental care and clinical decision-making.
Selected IAPD webinars address pain management strategies and clinical decision-making in paediatric dentistry.
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Behaviour Guidance in Paediatric Dental Patients.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
