Given the recent negative publicity surrounding dental X-rays and brain tumors, our recent The Wealthy Dentist survey covered whether dental practices will change how they use X-rays.
We asked:
“According to a recent study, dental X-rays may be linked with brain tumors. Will this news change how your practice uses X-rays?”
Here’s how dentists responded:
- 66%: Definitely no!
- 25%: Not at this point, although this study has led us to consider it.
- 9%: Yes, we will be changing our X-ray protocols.
Two thirds of dentists debated the validity of the data. Urban dentists over rural dentists were the most vocal about their skepticism in this survey.
“This study is highly flawed. The number of cancers per population is so small. You could die from an abscess more than your chance of getting this cancer. I read there are 5000 cancers per 350 million people?”
But some dentists did take the X-ray study into consideration —
“We will take this opportunity to reinforce our office position as an industry leader in all phases of patient safety.” (General dentist)
“It’s quite possible, some correlation between brain tumors and old ways to take X-rays. Let’s don’t forget we went from regular films to high speed to a digital generation decreasing every time the amount of radiation.” (Florida dentist)
“We use digital X-rays and take updated X-rays only when necessary.” (Ohio dentist)
“We are using digital radiographs and feel that we do everything possible to minimize unnecessary exposure.” (Texas dentist)
“I believe we have to make the right choices for our patients: how often – how many medical conditions. We also have to look at our society and what devices we use on a regular basis: cell phones, microwaves, electric blankets, TVs, air plane flights, not to mention our landfills loaded with hazardous materials. With technology comes risks but also life-saving devices and techniques.” (Massachusetts dentist)
“We decided on digital films prior to this announcement.” (General dentist)
“IF the study is correct, it will certainly affect the number of radiographs a dentist will record.” (Pediatric dentist)
“We’ve been doing the 18 mos to 2 yrs for many years. Only a select few of our dental patients require more frequent radiographic diagnosis.” (Arizona dentist)
“Further thoughts, yes, on this study that was flawed in concept.” (Oklahoma dentist)
“I’ve used a digital sensor for over a dozen years and have always been ultra-conservative in ordering X-rays based on the dental patient’s current and past oral conditions, not on a fixed timetable.” (Illinois dentist)
“We already stretch the limits on our X-rays and consider the history of the patient in doing so.” (California dentist)
“We are empowering our clinical team with information so that they may respond to concerns from patients. We also posted our rebuttal on our Website and Facebook page. We preform x-rays annually and/or on as needed basis.” (West Virginia dentist)
“Should always practice conservatively and limit taking dental (or chest) X-rays to the minimum at all times. I do not agree with taking X-rays ROUTINELY.“ (California dentist)
251 dentists responded to this survey by The Wealthy Dentist. To hear what the more agitated dentists had to say about the dental X-ray and brain tumor debate, see last week’s article, Dentists React To Dental X-ray Brain Tumor Study as Flawed Science.
What are your thoughts on the dental X-ray and brain cancer debate?
