This 'personal view' makes recommendations on the use of the bitewing radiograph in the diagnosis of dental caries on the basis of published evidence about the disease and available diagnostic methods. It suggests that posterior bitewing radiographs are required for all new patients if the approximal surfaces of the teeth cannot be examined directly. At this initial visit, an assessment of the caries risk of the individual patient should be made. Subsequent radiographic recall intervals are suggested, which are determined on the basis of this risk assessment. It should be appreciated that risk status may change over time and that, in the future, an individual's radiographic recall interval may have to be changed.