ADA Releases New Dental X-Ray Recommendations

Posted: January 6, 2026
Edited by Dentaltown staff

Chicago, IL—The American Dental Association (ADA) has released updated dental X-ray recommendations, the first in more than a decade, emphasizing that imaging should be prescribed only when clinically necessary to minimize radiation exposure for patients and dental professionals.

Published in the January issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association and online ahead of print in Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, the guidelines address both 2D and 3D imaging, including cone beam computed tomography, across a range of clinical scenarios. They update the ADA’s 2012 patient selection recommendations and provide guidance on determining when X-rays are indicated and how frequently they should be used during routine care.

Developed by an ADA Council on Scientific Affairs expert panel and endorsed by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, the recommendations also cover imaging considerations for cracked teeth, endodontics, implant planning, and temporomandibular disorders.

The full recommendations are available at JADA.ada.org.

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