We've all been sitting in the dentist's
chair when they bring out a heavy lead apron and tell us it's time for us to get
our teeth x-rayed. The science behind investigative dental x-rays is to stop
decay before it causes irreparable harm to the tooth (please forgive the
simplistic interpretation). Many dentists urge patience to get their teeth
x-rayed every year. Americans probably have had her teeth today than at any time
in history.
The unintended consequence of achieving these white shiny smiles is a higher incidence of meningiomas a noncancerous brain tumor. In a study conducted by Yale University and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, dental patients had significantly higher risk if they agreed to bitewing x-rays than did patients who refused such prophylactic care. In fact, compared to patients who had never had these x-rays there appear to have been a doubling in risk.
The apparent incentives in this situation work against the patient (both financial rewards and concerns about liability). A dentist who disregards potential risk from x-rays for his patients has higher income than does a similar dentist who is careful to administer only the minimum necessary number and amount of x-rays. That suggests that to limit the impact of this unintended consequence that individuals need to proactively monitor and control what happens to them at the dentist office.
The unintended consequence of achieving these white shiny smiles is a higher incidence of meningiomas a noncancerous brain tumor. In a study conducted by Yale University and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, dental patients had significantly higher risk if they agreed to bitewing x-rays than did patients who refused such prophylactic care. In fact, compared to patients who had never had these x-rays there appear to have been a doubling in risk.
The apparent incentives in this situation work against the patient (both financial rewards and concerns about liability). A dentist who disregards potential risk from x-rays for his patients has higher income than does a similar dentist who is careful to administer only the minimum necessary number and amount of x-rays. That suggests that to limit the impact of this unintended consequence that individuals need to proactively monitor and control what happens to them at the dentist office.
Readers interested in learning more can read the article published today,
4/10/12 in the journal Cancer. They may also be interested in reading my book, Unintended Consequences: How to Improve our Government, our Businesses, and
our Lives. There is more on similar topics blog at my blog harlanplatt.com.
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