title: Responsible use of cone beam computed tomography: minimising medico-legal risks.
abstract: This communication highlights some of the ethical and possible legal responsibilities which pertain to the taking, reading, reporting, and communication of findings from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The importance of knowledge of head and neck anatomy and pathology to reduce the likelihood of incorrect interpretation is emphasised. Failure to detect critical findings in any diagnostic image can potentially result in medico-legal consequences. CBCT is no exception to this rule. Dental schools are advised to include CBCT imaging as a diagnostic tool in their under- and postgraduate curricula thereby equipping graduates to use 3D imaging in general and CBCT in particular. Existing dental practitioners are advised to seek continuing education on 3D imaging as part of their required lifelong learning.
authors: Maxillofacial and Oral Radiology, School of Oral Health Sciences, Medunsa Campus, University of Limpopo, 0204, South Africa. Claudia.noffke@ul.ac.za
authors: C E E
authors: CE
authors: Noffke
authors: A G
authors: AG
authors: Farman
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Van der Linde
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Nel
mesh_terms: D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012575:Schools, Dental; D012941:Social Responsibility; D013019:South Africa