NHS dentist X-raying children as routine - can I refuse?

[TriSkiRun99]

Last time we were at the dentist 6mths ago the dentist tried to X-ray both my children but for no clinical need “just routine”. Both ended up in tears as they couldn’t get that adult sized plastic thing to stay in their mouths. The older one (11) managed it with salt on her tongue. The younger one (6) couldn’t and Dentist gave up said oh well we can try another time. I asked if it was for clinical need but got told it was policy now?! I can’t find anything on NHS online. We have the dentist tomorrow & my younger daughter is really getting upset at the thought of going now due to the X-ray. Previously she was ok and there’s no clinical need that I’m aware of her needing it. Can I refuse the X-ray and still get NHS treatment? Our dentist is the senior one in the practice and quite frankly I’m scared of her but with good NHS dentists scarce I don’t want to lose our place. I’m struggling to see why a healthy 7yr old needs one if there are no concerns. Anyone else had this recently?

Can't you just say no? My dentist always tries to xray me and I just refuse. He notes my refusal and all's well.

A good NHS dentist would not be using x-rays (especially on a child) as ‘routine’. It is against radiation guidelines to use x-rays without a clinically justified reason. You are well within you rights to say no and would do the same.

Thanks if the women wasn’t so scary I’d feel more assertive. I will refuse for my children unless clincal. FFS I’ve got a job I’m assertive in just this flipping women makes me feel about 12 every time!

Woman! Grrr auto correct

As part of a good thorough assessment xrays every 2 yes are advised ( decay isn't always clear to see xrays can pick up a lot)

Not sure why the dentist wouldn't have child size mouthpieces though I thought they would be pretty standard? Google bitewings for children and it will show a number of research papers

Dentist here-

Yes you can refuse! However regular x ray screening is considered good practice, in fact there are guidelines in place outlining how frequently they should be taken (most people every 2 years).

Children can be a bit of a grey area due to fitting the films in and keeping them still. The 11 year old should be able to tolerate it; unless they have very big films at the practice you go to. The 7 year old might struggle so it is ok to delay for now. Sounds like your dentist is conscientious and wants to pick up any problems early - not NHS myself but I know they're so tight for time they're putting themselves out by trying to do them. If you let them know the problem I'm sure they'd be happy to put them off for a bit

Thanks for the information. I will talk to them as I don’t want the younger one to be too scared to go because of this, she’s a very sensory child which makes normal stuff harder to do with her at the best of times.

My 7 year old recently had xrays and they used a baby sized mouth piece for her.

This is not an official website, but it would seemed good practice by the radiation protection officer
routine x-ray

That’s a really helpful link punk thank you it gives me some good questions to ask tomorrow.

I have a missing adult tooth, an adult tooth that goes sideways and two dead front teeth as a result of playing at 7. All were picked up through x-rays - none were the result of decay. All would have impacted negatively on my appearance as a teenager/ young adult.

I am grateful that these were picked up and discussed early rather than having a mouth that resembles a car crash victim. ( I saw a dentist overseas who was stunned when he saw my x- rays and asked how bad was it p, etc, until I finally caught on and explained)

I also still have a baby tooth at 45, although I suspect the tooth fairy has long since quit.