A dentist based in Pilbara, Western Australia, is contesting the licensing procedures for 3D dental imaging technology, arguing that they are onerous and put the health of dental patients at risk, according to an article by ABC News.
To receive a license in Western Australia, a dentist must have a particular type of master's degree issued by one of two interstate universities. The difficulty in obtaining a license could lead to increased misdiagnosis, Dr. Roger Higgins claims. He is calling for a reform of the licensing procedures that would make them similar to other Australian states where he has previously worked.
The Radiological Council of Western Australia has expressed concern over the doses of radiation that cone-beam CT (CBCT) equipment exposes patients to, and noted that other states are considering stricter guidelines for the technology, according to the article. Nonetheless, the organization expressed interest in creating CBCT training courses for dentists who wish to use the imaging devices.
