A DENTIST WITHOUT X-RAYS: CLINICAL PRUDENCE OR PROFESSIONAL ILLUSION?
Keywords:
Dental radiography, diagnostic imaging, radiation safety, hidden caries, clinical ethicsAbstract
While radiographic imaging is a cornerstone of modern dentistry, a subset of practitioners continues to perform diagnostic and restorative procedures without the routine use of dental X-rays. This paper explores the clinical, ethical, and public health implications of practicing dentistry without radiography. It critically evaluates whether the absence of radiographic tools represents clinical minimalism, patient safety, or professional negligence masked as "biological" or "holistic" dentistry. Evidence-based analysis is presented to assess diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and patient risk in radiograph-free practices
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