Questions & Answers

Radiation safety remains a primary focus for the American Dental Association (ADA) and regulatory bodies in 2026.

The ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle has been bolstered by Smart Scanning technology. Modern US CBCT systems now feature ultra-low-dose settings that provide diagnostic-quality 3D images with radiation levels comparable to traditional 2D panoramic X-rays. To minimize exposure, the majority of newly launched systems allow clinicians to strictly limit the field of view (FOV), ranging from small-volume scans for a single tooth to full-maxillofacial scans for orthognathic planning. New recommendations also emphasize that lead abdominal aprons are no longer necessary for most modern digital dental imaging due to optimized techniques.