A study to develop a rating system and evaluate dental radiographs submitted to a third party carrier.

An easy, efficient system for rating radiographs was developed and applied to 1,000 preauthorization case submissions. The films were evaluated and the frequency distribution of errors determined. Results showed the majority of the examined full-mouth and partial-mouth radiograph series submitted to Pennsylvania Blue Shield were substandard. Recommendations for screening radiographs to upgrade their technical quality are offered.