Which dental specialty typically uses the highest dose of radiation?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the dental specialty that typically uses the highest dose of radiation. This is because procedures often require detailed imaging to assess complex anatomical structures and the extent of disease or trauma, necessitating the use of advanced radiographic techniques such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or conventional X-rays. These imaging modalities provide the high-resolution images needed for diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly for surgeries involving the bones of the jaw and face, as well as for evaluating impacted teeth and other oral pathologies.

While other dental specialties use radiographs, the extent and frequency of imaging in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery generally result in higher cumulative doses of radiation. For example, orthodontics may require periodic monitoring of tooth movement and growth patterns, which typically involves lower exposure. Pediatric dentistry focuses on minimizing radiation exposure due to the vulnerability of children, often using lower-dose techniques. Periodontics also relies on radiographs primarily for assessment and diagnosing periodontal disease, which usually requires less frequent imaging compared to surgical planning in oral and maxillofacial contexts.