Radiograph Frequency Children — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Every 6 months
**A. Every 6 months** is correct. SDCEP states that bitewing radiographs are required for active surveillance of proximal caries and that the minimum recommended interval is six-monthly. The child’s increased caries risk and the presence of an actively monitored proximal lesion justify using the shortest recommended interval, provided each exposure remains clinically justified and recorded. Every 12 months is within SDCEP’s broader 6–12-month range for children at increased risk, but it is not the minimum interval asked for in this active-surveillance scenario. Every 24 months is the interval for children who are not at increased caries risk. A 36-month interval is not the SDCEP recommendation for this indication. Waiting until pain develops is inappropriate because bitewings are used to detect and monitor lesion progression before symptoms or pulpal disease occur.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP). Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children, “Site-specific prevention” (current online guidance). https://www.childcaries.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/dental-techniques/site-specific-prevention/