Health Report Why do people become dentists?
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Nov 28, 2025 Join Shelby Traynor, a producer with hands-on dental school experience, as she explores the intriguing world of dentistry. Professor John DeCampo sheds light on the risks of CT scans, discussing when they might be unnecessary. Dermatologist Dr. Anika Smith reveals how psoriasis can impact overall health, particularly the cardiovascular system. From dental school simulations to important health insights, this conversation uncovers why people are drawn to dentistry and how it intertwines with broader health dialogues.
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CT Scans Carry Population-Level Cancer Risk
- CT scans are powerful diagnostic tools but carry measurable future cancer risks when overused.
- If current US scanning rates continue, researchers estimate up to 5% of future cancers could be attributable to CT radiation.
Modern CT Lowers Dose But Risk Remains
- Modern CT technology often uses lower doses, but current dose data still show meaningful radiation exposure.
- Radiologists acknowledge improved detectors and software, yet radiation remains a fundamental risk of CT imaging.
Many CT Requests Lack Clinical Indication
- Up to a third of CT scans may be inappropriate and provide no useful information for patient care.
- Drivers include medico-legal anxiety, referring habits, and financial incentives in radiology services.