The Role of Nursing, Radiology, and Dental Assistant Technicians in Enhancing Patient Safety, Quality of Care, and Diagnostic Imaging Efficiency: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Diagnostic imaging involves a chain of clinical decisions, preparation, transport, image acquisition, interpretation, and follow-up. Nursing and radiology professionals intersect at multiple points in this pathway, yet responsibility is often fragmented. Objective: To critically synthesize literature available through 29 September 2025 on how nursing–radiology collaboration may influence patient safety, quality of care, and imaging efficiency. Methods: This comprehensive, evidence-informed narrative review draws on identified peer-reviewed studies, multidisciplinary consensus statements, and professional safety guidance. A transparent search framework is described; however, a fully reproducible systematic database search and formal screening log were not performed, and no pooled effect estimate is claimed. Results: The most defensible mechanisms involve accurate handovers, appropriate contrast-risk assessment, coordinated patient preparation, reliable escalation of deterioration, and closed-loop communication of actionable findings. Professional guidance provides comparatively strong support for these processes; direct causal evidence specific to nursing–radiology dyads is more limited. Workflow benefits are plausible but context-dependent and should be evaluated using balancing measures to avoid trading safety for speed. Conclusion: A shared governance model with explicit role allocation, standardized safety checkpoints, and auditable outcome indicators offers a credible route to safer and more reliable imaging services. Prospective multisite evaluation remains a priority. Dental assistant technicians also contribute at dental-imaging interfaces through patient preparation, infection prevention, positioning assistance, and communication of relevant oral-health information within their authorized scope. This expanded review includes dental radiography as a related but distinct imaging pathway; proposed benefits require direct evaluation.