2. Selection criteria in everyday dentistry

Use published selection criteria

Follow current UK selection criteria (for example CGDent / successor guidance to the old FGDP tables) and your employer’s referral criteria. Intervals depend on caries risk, periodontal status, and whether previous films already show the area.

Bitewings

For caries diagnosis in posterior teeth when contacts cannot be visualised. Frequency is not one-size-fits-all: high-risk children may need them more often than a low-risk adult. Do not take them “because it is the NHS check-up month” if risk and previous films say otherwise.

Periapicals

Endodontic assessment, unexplained pain, trauma, suspected pathology localised to a tooth or region. A full-mouth series is not a default for every new patient.

Panoramic (DPT)

When a wide view is needed (for example orthodontic assessment, unerupted teeth, mandibular pathology) and intra-orals will not answer the question. A panoramic is a higher-dose examination than a pair of bitewings — do not use it as a caries screen.

Occlusal and other views

Only when they change management. If you rarely take a view, check you are still entitled and competent before exposing.