By: Laura S. Harkin, DMD
This Topic Originally Appeared On Pankeygram.Org
Radiographic imaging is an important diagnostic aid tool in dentistry, along with clinical examination. They help clinicians identify many pathologies, abnormalities, and tooth-related problems that can’t be seen during patient examinations.
Therefore, accurate capturing and interpreting of X-ray records is critical for accurate diagnosis and communication with patients and other specialists.
Train Your Team on Capturing Accurate X-ray Records
Sometimes it can be challenging to interpret the X-ray records because of variations between individuals and common tooth-related structures, or unspecified structures while capturing the records.
It’s important to train the team how to capture highly accurate records and learn how to interpret them accordingly to prevent the back-and-forth adjustments because of misinterpretation.
One important piece of advice that my parent, who is also a dentist, gave me was to make sure that my patient records were always complete and pristine. He said,
“Anything that you are sending to the laboratory or to a specialist, even down to how you write your lab script or note, must be precise. And the reason is not only to minimize adjustment at the end but to also set an expectation for the same level of care returned by the lab or specialist.”
Take Time to Regularly Review Current X-rays & Improvements
As a team, we have spent time evaluating our models and photos to discuss how they can be improved and to recognize our highest standard. Recently, I became a little concerned about some of the radiographs we’d taken in the office. I encountered a few bitewings in which I was able to see the bone levels, or the image wasn’t anterior enough to check the distal of the canine.
So, as a team, we set aside time to review current x-rays and discuss the diagnostic qualities that we seek to achieve in each type.
A team huddle provides built-in time and a safe place to do something like this. While reviewing the images, it became very clear that the team knew how to take vertical and horizontal bitewings. They also had a clear visual for how the images should look. Sometimes, however, a team member was shy about retaking an x-ray for they worried that a patient would be uncomfortable with the process. Other times, I imagine, they felt pressed for time and hurried to move down their checklist.
Key Takeaways
Our review of images reinforced the level of care we collectively aim to achieve in all facets of our clinical day. Just as we strive for beautiful, mounted study casts, we take our x-rays with intention for ourselves, our referral sources, and, above all, our patients.
Consider having a team meeting to share each other’s tips and tricks for taking x-rays in patients with difficult anatomy, a gag reflex, or missing teeth. Our own team members have a wealth of knowledge that sometimes doesn’t move from one treatment room to the next!
Regular team reviews and open discussions about imaging techniques can make a significant difference in your practice’s outcomes.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in improving your clinical expertise and confidently examining, diagnosing, treatment planning, and executing any restorative case regardless of complexity, I suggest you visit the The Pankey Institute for advanced dental education.
