British Orthodontic Society publishes 4th edition of Orthodontic Radiographs Guidelines
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) recently released the 4th edition of Orthodontic Radiographs Guidelines, which is available online via the BOS website.
The publication’s introduction notes that the use of ionizing radiation in clinical practice is governed by criminal law in the UK. In particular, UK law requires that all radiographs must be clinically justified. Consequently, these radiographs guidelines are primarily designed to assist orthodontists with this justification process.
This latest edition, authored by Drs. Keith G. Isaacson, Allan R. Thom, Nicki E. Atack, Keith Horner and Eric Whaites, features 16 chapters. A notable addition covers the application of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic practice.
Dr. Tony Ireland, a consultant orthodontist with the Bristol Dental Hospital and School in Bristol, England, notes in his review of the publication, that “this section (on CBCT) not only covers when these radiographs should and should not be taken, but specifically who should interpret them and the need for additional training for those wishing to do so.”
Dr. Thom, one of the authors and president of the WFO, foresees other organizations and orthodontists around the world using this publication as it has broad applications. “While the legal requirements only apply to Europe, the substance of the guidelines is relevant worldwide,” he said. “The 4th edition has been well-received worldwide, and, in particular, in Southeast Asia.”
Dr. Lysle E. Johnston Jr. of Eastport, Michigan, USA, echoes this sentiment. In his review of the guidelines, Dr. Johnston writes: “In The Wealth of Nations, Book 1, Chapter X, Adam Smith noted that, ‘People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment or diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance, to raise prices.’ In the present 4th edition of Guidelines for the Use of Radiographs in Clinical Orthodontics, the authors with the British Orthodontic Society have conspired instead to protect the public from needless and costly exposure to ionizing radiation. Given the reluctance of many societies to go beyond platitudes when it comes to specifying professional standards, this edition of Guidelines probably will become the de facto benchmark in the world of orthodontics. Well done, indeed!”