What is a recommended practice to minimize radiation exposure to patients?

Employing digital radiography when possible is recommended to minimize radiation exposure to patients because digital systems are inherently more sensitive to radiation compared to traditional film-based systems. This sensitivity allows for shorter exposure times while still achieving high-quality images, thereby reducing the overall dose of radiation that a patient receives during imaging procedures. Additionally, digital radiographs can often be enhanced and manipulated without needing to take additional images, further decreasing the amount of radiation exposure necessary for accurate diagnostics.

Furthermore, digital systems can help in improving safety and efficiency in the imaging process, as they often include advanced features such as exposure indicators that assist operators in optimizing the imaging parameters based on patient needs. These benefits collectively make digital radiography a superior option for minimizing radiation exposure in dental practices.