Radiation Dose Considerations in CBCT: Balancing Safety and Diagnostic Value

Abstract

CBCT has now developed to be a key imaging modality in the field of dentistry and maxillofacial view, providing 3
dimensional visualization with a lot of diagnostic utility. Nevertheless, the radiation dose is of concern and this poses
serious safety issues especially to the pediatric populations and vulnerable populations. The paper will evaluate existing
evidence on CBCT radiation dose level, compare with the existing radiographic and medical CT protocols, and identify
factors that affect exposure to patients. Dose optimization strategies, including customized field of view (FOV), customized
exposure parameters and application of advanced image reconstruction methods, are discussed in the context of ALARA
(As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and ALADAIP (As Low As Diagnostically Acceptable is Indication-oriented and
Patient-specific) principles. The main clinical guidelines used by the major international entities are addressed to facilitate
the practice-based risk-benefit decision-making. Prospective opportunities, such as the use of AI to optimise imaging
and protocols tailored to patients are also discussed. CBCT imaging should be balanced to guarantee the efficacy of the
diagnosis and keep the patients safe