ISSN / eISSN: 0033-8362 / 1826-6983

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ISSN / eISSN: 0033-8362 / 1826-6983

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Evaluation of Professional Role and Impact of Dental Assistants in Pediatric Dental Imaging

Waad Badi Almohammadi¹, Wejdan Abdullah Hussain Mahilawi¹, Heba Ali Saeed Azouni¹, Sundus Khalid Alahmadi¹

1- Prince Sultan Armed Forces, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The role of dental assistants in pediatric dental radiology is critically important yet under‐explored. Dental radiography in children presents unique anatomical, developmental and radiation‐safety challenges, and dental assistants provide essential support in patient preparation, image acquisition, radiation protection, equipment operation, and workflow efficiency. This review examines the current evidence on pediatric dental radiology (techniques, safety, diagnostic applications) together with the evolving roles of dental assistants in radiography and general dental practice. A systematic search of major databases was undertaken (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) for articles published upto 2025, combining keywords such as “dental assistant”, “dental radiography”, “pediatric”, “child”, “radiology”, “dental assisting”. Results indicate that dental assistants contribute significantly to image quality, safety protocols, workflow optimisation and patient communication; in paediatric contexts they also play a role in behavioural management and age‐appropriate positioning. However, gaps exist in training, formal role definition, and quality assurance specific to paediatric radiographic environments. The discussion outlines practical implications for education, practice protocols, and future research. In conclusion, dental assistants should be formally integrated into paediatric radiology workflows, receive targeted training and be included in quality‐assurance systems to optimise imaging outcomes and patient safety.

Keywords: Dental assistant; pediatric dental radiology; intraoral radiography; extraoral radiography; radiation safety; image quality; paediatric dentistry; workflow efficiency.

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