KIMO publishes guideline for radiological examination indications
New KIMO guideline on radiological indication setting is now part of Dutch professional standard. Review to align practice protocols.
The Dutch Knowledge Institute for Oral Care (KIMO) has published a new guideline on indication setting for intraoral and panoramic radiological examinations in dental practice. The guideline aims to prevent and reduce both over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis, along with the resulting over-treatment and under-treatment.
Scope and clinical applications
The guideline applies to both general and specialist dental practices and is intended for BIG-registered dental professionals who are authorised to indicate radiological examinations. It covers indication setting for common clinical situations including caries, periodontal and endodontic conditions, implant-related questions, orthodontic cases, pain complaints (excluding trauma), restorations, and temporomandibular disorders. The guideline does not address bitewing radiographs, skull profile radiographs, or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations. For specific situations such as dental trauma and third molar problems, practitioners are directed to separate KIMO guidelines.
Professional standard and practical guidance
By publishing this guideline, KIMO has incorporated it into the professional standard for oral care in the Netherlands. The guideline provides dental professionals and patients with practical tools for careful indication setting, taking into account both the screening and diagnostic value of radiographs and their cost-effectiveness in typical clinical scenarios. The guideline is available on the KIMO website and in the NTVT Knowledge Bank.
Frequently asked questions
What clinical situations does the KIMO radiological guideline cover?
The guideline covers caries, periodontal and endodontic conditions, implant and orthodontic cases, pain complaints (excluding trauma), restorations, and temporomandibular disorders. It applies to intraoral and panoramic radiographs but excludes bitewing radiographs, skull profile radiographs, and CBCT examinations.
Who should follow the KIMO indication-setting guideline?
BIG-registered dental professionals authorised to indicate radiological examinations in general and specialist dental practices should follow this guideline. It is now part of the professional standard for oral care in the Netherlands.
What is the purpose of the KIMO radiological guideline?
The guideline aims to prevent and reduce both over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis, along with the resulting over-treatment and under-treatment. It provides evidence-based criteria for indication setting based on the screening and diagnostic value and cost-effectiveness of radiographs.
Where can dentists access the KIMO radiological guideline?
The guideline is available on the KIMO website (www.hetkimo.nl) and in the NTVT Knowledge Bank for easy reference and consultation.
