The short answer
Your dentist can refer you to a dental imaging centre for a CBCT scan without holding a CT authorization themselves. In Ontario, a dentist with RCDSO CT authorization is responsible for the scan: prescribing it and interpreting and reporting on it. The scan is taken by that dentist or by a registered medical radiation technologist they supervise on site, in a facility with an RCDSO CT permit. The images and report go back to your dentist, who goes over them with you at a later visit. You can ask for copies of your records.
Two kinds of referral
Implant patients in Ontario usually meet one or both of these:
An imaging referral
- Sends you to a dental imaging centre for a 3D scan
- One short visit, no recovery time
- Results go to your dentist, not straight to you
- Very common, because many offices don't have a scanner
A specialist referral
- Sends you to a periodontist, oral surgeon or prosthodontist
- Covers one part of the treatment, such as grafting or surgery
- You usually return to your own dentist afterwards
- More likely when the case is complex
The scan, in two sentences
A cone beam CT (CBCT) scan is a 3D X-ray of the jaw that shows bone height and width and where nerves and sinuses sit, which a flat X-ray can't. Professional guidelines recommend this kind of cross-sectional imaging when planning implants. For how the scan works, what it shows and the radiation question, read CBCT scans and X-rays, explained.
Who may order and read a dental CT scan in Ontario
Ontario regulates dental CT scanning more tightly than ordinary dental X-rays. The RCDSO sets the rules through its Standard of Practice for dental CT scanners:
- Your dentist can refer you without a CT authorization. The RCDSO says a referring dentist can request a scan.
- An authorized dentist is responsible for the scan. A dentist with RCDSO CT Member Authorization prescribes the scan and interprets and reports on it. The scan itself is taken by an authorized dentist, or by a registered medical radiation technologist working under that dentist's on-site supervision. Dental hygienists and assistants can't take dental CT scans.
- The facility needs a permit. An office that operates a CBCT machine needs an RCDSO CT facility permit, which confirms it meets the standards set under Ontario's Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act. The College inspects before issuing a permit and re-inspects on a regular cycle.
- Interpretation can be passed on. The authorized dentist may send the scan to an oral radiologist or another CT-authorized dentist, who then writes the report.
Field of view of 8 cm or less. Images a smaller region of the teeth and jaws.
Field of view over 8 cm. Use is restricted to practitioners with specific additional training.
The RCDSO public register lists CT authorizations and permits, and shows a summary of any deficiencies found when a dental CT scanner was inspected.
What goes on the referral
The RCDSO lists what a CBCT referral must include. It's useful to know, because a complete referral means the right area gets scanned the first time.
- Your name, address and date of birth
- The referring dentist's name, and any other dentists who should get a copy of the report
- The type of scan requested, with any special instructions
- Relevant clinical information, such as your history, a provisional diagnosis or the proposed treatment
- Copies or reports of recent X-rays of the area
The previous X-rays matter more than they seem. They help the imaging centre choose the smallest field of view that answers the question, and judge whether the scan is needed at all. Guidelines on dental CBCT ask for exactly that: scan only when the benefit justifies the dose, and scan no more than you need.
Which area will the scan cover, and what question is it meant to answer?
The visit and what happens after
- You bookThe referral usually names a centre. Ask if a different one would also work for you.
- You're scannedGlasses, jewellery and removable dental work come off. You hold still for well under a minute.
- The scan is reportedA CT-authorized dentist or oral radiologist reads it and writes a report.
- Your dentist gets the filesImages and report are sent to the referring dentist and anyone named on the referral.
- You go over it togetherUsually at your planning visit. Results aren't typically given on the day.
Ask to see it
Looking at your own scan on screen makes the rest of the plan easier to follow. Bone width, a nearby sinus or a proposed graft all make more sense when you can see them.
Can you show me my scan and explain what it means for the plan?
Specialist referrals
A dentist may refer part of your treatment when the case calls for it. Common reasons include significant bone grafting or a sinus lift, limited bone close to a nerve, gum disease that needs treating first, medical conditions that change how surgery or sedation should be done, and complex full-arch restorations.
Ontario has eleven recognized dental specialties, and the ones most often involved in implant care are periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics. Implant dentistry itself is not one of them. Our guide to choosing an implant dentist in Ontario explains the difference and how to check a provider.
Typically the specialist does their part, and you return to your own dentist for the remaining stages and long-term care.
Why are you referring this part of the treatment, and what happens when I come back?
Keeping your records straight
When several offices are involved, records can end up scattered. A few habits help:
- Tell every office who else is treating you, and give them contact details
- Ask that reports be copied to everyone involved, so the scan doesn't need repeating
- Ask for your own copy of the scan and report, especially before a second opinion
- Keep the written plan and estimate from each office together
- If you've had a recent scan elsewhere, or you're pregnant or might be, tell both your dentist and the imaging centre
For the full order of appointments, see getting dental implants in Ontario, step by step.
Common questions
Does my dentist need special authorization to send me for a CBCT scan?
No. According to the RCDSO, a referring dentist can request a scan without a CT authorization. A dentist who holds RCDSO CT Member Authorization then prescribes, interprets and reports on the scan; the scan is taken by that dentist or by a medical radiation technologist they supervise on site.
Will I get my CBCT results at the imaging centre?
Usually not. The scan is reported on and sent to your dentist, who goes over it with you, typically at your next planning visit. Ask the office how long that usually takes.
Can I take my scan to another dentist for a second opinion?
Generally, yes. Ask the imaging centre or your dentist for a copy of the images and the report, and how they share the files.
Is the scan billed separately from my dentist's fees?
It can be, when the scan is done at a separate centre. Ask both offices, and check with your insurer whether the scan needs a pre-determination. Our Ontario costs guide explains estimates and insurance.
How can I check an imaging centre's permit?
Search the RCDSO public register at rcdso.org. It lists dental CT permits and authorizations and a summary of any deficiencies found at inspection.
References
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Dental CT scanners: frequently asked questions, and CT facility permit (checked October 2026). rcdso.org
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. CBCT scan referrals: what needs to be included (checked October 2026). rcdso.org
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Information about Ontario dentists on the public register (checked October 2026). rcdso.org
- Tyndall DA, Price JB, Tetradis S, Ganz SD, Hildebolt C, Scarfe WC. Position statement of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology on selection criteria for the use of radiology in dental implantology with emphasis on cone beam computed tomography. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012;113(6):817-826.
- Bornstein MM, Scarfe WC, Vaughn VM, Jacobs R. Cone beam computed tomography in implant dentistry: a systematic review focusing on guidelines, indications, and radiation dose risks. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2014;29(Suppl):55-77.
- European Commission. Radiation Protection No. 172: Cone beam CT for dental and maxillofacial radiology — evidence-based guidelines (SEDENTEXCT project). Luxembourg: European Commission; 2012.
