Considering a dental CBCT referral? Learn what to consider before requesting a CBCT scan, what information to include on a dental CBCT referral, and why Level 1 Core CBCT training is important for dental professionals.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become an increasingly valuable imaging tool in modern dentistry. Unlike conventional 2D dental X-rays, dental CBCT provides three-dimensional images that can give clinicians detailed information about teeth, bone and surrounding anatomical structures.
CBCT can be particularly useful for implant planning, endodontic assessment, impacted teeth, oral surgery and other situations where conventional dental radiography may not provide sufficient information.
However, a CBCT scan should not simply be requested because three-dimensional imaging is available.
Every dental CBCT referral should have a clear clinical purpose, and the referring clinician needs to understand when CBCT is appropriate, what information should be included on the referral and the responsibilities associated with requesting an examination involving ionising radiation.
This guide explains the key considerations when referring a patient for dental CBCT and how appropriate CBCT training can support good clinical decision-making.
When should you refer a patient for dental CBCT?
A useful starting point is to ask:
What clinical question do I need the CBCT scan to answer?
Rather than simply deciding that a patient “needs a CBCT”, consider what additional information the examination is expected to provide and whether that information could affect the patient’s diagnosis or treatment.
Dental CBCT may be appropriate in a range of clinical situations, including:
-
Dental implant planning
-
Assessment of impacted or unerupted teeth
-
Endodontic assessment and complex root canal cases
-
Assessment of the relationship between teeth and important anatomical structures
-
Oral and maxillofacial surgery planning
-
Assessment of bone volume and anatomy
-
Investigation of suspected pathology
-
Complex orthodontic cases
-
Cases where conventional 2D dental imaging does not provide sufficient information
The decision to request a CBCT should always be based on the individual patient and the clinical question.
Can the clinical question be answered without a CBCT?
This is an important question to ask before making a CBCT referral.
If a conventional dental X-ray or another lower-dose imaging examination can provide the information needed for diagnosis or treatment planning, a CBCT may not be necessary.
Where CBCT is appropriate, the examination should be optimised to provide the information required while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
Understanding the principles of justification and optimisation is therefore an important part of dental CBCT training.
What should be included in a dental CBCT referral?
A good CBCT referral should give the imaging team enough clinical information to understand why the examination is being requested and what information is required.
When completing a dental CBCT referral form, consider including:
-
Patient identification details
-
The area or region to be examined
-
Relevant clinical findings
-
The patient’s symptoms and history where relevant
-
The clinical indication for the CBCT
-
Details of relevant previous imaging
-
The specific clinical question you want the CBCT to answer
-
Any relevant information that could affect the examination
-
Your details as the referring clinician
The most important part is the clinical indication and question.
A referral that simply says:
“CBCT UL6 for implant planning”
provides relatively little information.
A more useful referral might say:
“Patient has a missing UL6 and is being considered for implant placement. Please assess the available bone volume and relationship of the proposed implant site to the maxillary sinus. Previous panoramic imaging is available.”
The second referral gives the imaging team much more information about the purpose of the examination and what the CBCT needs to demonstrate.
Why is the clinical question important?
The clinical question helps the imaging team understand what the examination needs to achieve.
It can also help determine the appropriate field of view (FOV) and imaging parameters for the examination.
CBCT involves a balance between radiation dose and the image quality and anatomical coverage required to answer the clinical question. A smaller field of view may be appropriate for some localised dental examinations, while a larger field of view may be required for other clinical indications.
This is one reason that understanding CBCT referral criteria and the principles of radiation protection is so important for clinicians involved in dental CBCT.
What happens after a CBCT referral?
Once a referral has been made, the examination must go through the appropriate justification process before the exposure takes place.
At Cavendish Imaging, dentists and other referring clinicians can refer patients for CBCT online, making it straightforward to arrange specialist dental imaging for their patients.
The patient attends the imaging centre for their examination, where the CBCT scan is carried out using appropriate imaging protocols.
Depending on the arrangements made by the referring clinician, the scan can also be reported by an appropriately qualified radiologist.
Understanding the process from referral through to imaging and reporting can help clinicians make more effective use of CBCT within their patients’ treatment pathways.
Who can request a dental CBCT?
Dentists involved in referring patients for dental CBCT need to understand their responsibilities when requesting an examination involving ionising radiation.
This is where Level 1 Core Training in Dental CBCT is particularly relevant.
Level 1 training provides the core knowledge needed by dentists and appropriately qualified dental professionals involved in dental CBCT. This includes understanding the principles of CBCT, radiation protection, patient selection, referral and justification, image quality and the responsibilities associated with CBCT.
It is important to distinguish between referring for CBCT and interpreting a CBCT examination.
Level 1 Core Training provides foundational knowledge. Those undertaking more advanced responsibilities, including interpretation of CBCT volumes, may require additional training.
Dental CBCT training: why Level 1 matters
CBCT is a powerful diagnostic tool, but good CBCT imaging starts with an appropriate clinical decision.
For dentists, understanding when to request a CBCT, what information to provide on a referral and the principles of radiation protection is an essential part of using CBCT appropriately.
Cavendish Imaging provides online, on-demand Level 1 Core Training in Dental CBCT, designed to give dental professionals the core knowledge required when working with dental CBCT.
The online format allows clinicians to complete the training at a time that fits around their clinical commitments.
What does Level 1 CBCT training cover?
The training covers key areas including:
-
The principles of CBCT
-
Dental CBCT applications
-
Indications and limitations
-
Radiation protection
-
Patient selection
-
Justification and referral
-
Image quality
-
The responsibilities of dental professionals involved in CBCT
-
The legal and ethical considerations surrounding dental CBCT
The aim isn’t simply to teach clinicians how CBCT technology works.
It is about understanding when CBCT is appropriate, what information it can provide and how to make an appropriate referral.
Dental CBCT referral checklist
Before submitting a CBCT referral, consider these six questions:
1. What is my clinical question?
Be specific about what you need the CBCT to demonstrate.
2. Is CBCT necessary?
Could the clinical question be answered adequately using conventional dental radiography or another imaging method?
3. Will the CBCT change patient management?
Consider whether the additional information is likely to influence diagnosis, treatment planning or patient management.
4. Have I provided enough clinical information?
The imaging team needs sufficient information to understand the reason for the examination and the clinical question.
5. Have I considered previous imaging?
Relevant existing radiographs and clinical information can help avoid unnecessary examinations and provide useful context.
6. Are the reporting arrangements clear?
Make sure you understand who will report the examination and how the report will be returned to you.
A well-prepared CBCT referral helps the referring dentist, the imaging team and, most importantly, the patient.
Referring a patient for CBCT with Cavendish Imaging
Cavendish Imaging provides specialist dental CBCT imaging for referring clinicians, with online referral available to make the process as straightforward as possible.
If you are considering a CBCT for your patient, start with the clinical question and provide as much relevant information as possible on your referral.
Refer here
If you are a dentist or appropriately qualified dental professional involved in dental CBCT and need to complete your core training, Cavendish Imaging also provides Level 1 (Core) Training in Dental CBCT online and on demand.
The course allows you to complete your training flexibly, around your clinical commitments.
Find out more about Level 1 Core Training in Dental CBCT
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental CBCT Referrals
What is a dental CBCT scan?
A dental CBCT scan is a three-dimensional X-ray examination that provides detailed images of the teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomical structures. It can provide information that may not be available from conventional 2D dental radiographs.
When is CBCT used in dentistry?
Dental CBCT may be used for a range of clinical applications, including implant planning, impacted teeth, endodontic assessment, oral surgery, assessment of anatomical structures and complex treatment planning.
What information should be included on a CBCT referral?
A CBCT referral should include relevant patient details, the clinical indication, relevant clinical findings and a clear explanation of the clinical question that the examination is intended to answer. Relevant previous imaging should also be included where appropriate.
Do dentists need CBCT training?
Dentists involved in dental CBCT should have appropriate training for their role. Level 1 Core Training in Dental CBCT provides foundational knowledge for dentists and appropriately qualified dental professionals involved in dental CBCT.
Can I refer a patient for a CBCT online?
Yes. Cavendish Imaging provides an online referral service for clinicians who need to arrange dental CBCT imaging for their patients.
What is Level 1 Core Training in Dental CBCT?
Level 1 Core Training provides foundational knowledge about dental CBCT, including its principles, applications, radiation protection, patient selection, referral and justification, image quality and professional responsibilities.
The key to a good CBCT referral
A good CBCT referral starts with a good clinical question.
Before requesting a scan, consider whether CBCT is the appropriate imaging method, what information you need from the examination and whether that information is likely to influence the patient’s management.
Then provide the imaging team with enough clinical information to understand the case and the purpose of the examination.
For dentists using CBCT appropriately, good training, good referrals and good communication between the referring clinician and imaging team all contribute to better patient care.
Ready to refer?
Need your Level 1 Core CBCT training?
View our online, on-demand Level 1 Core Training in Dental CBCT
