A Dentist must:
1. Comply with legislation.
2. Maintain equipment.
3. Minimize dosage of radiation given to patients and staff.
LEGISLATION:
In accordance with the Ionising Radiation Regulations the Dentist must:
1. Notify the Health & Safety Executive of your proposed use of radiation.
2. Appoint a Radiation Protection Supervisor responsible for the day to day running.
3. Provide local rules.
4. Provide local information and training for all staff.
5. Appoint a radiation protection advisor – a physicist approved by the Health and Safety Executive – if the number of intra-oral films is greater that 350 and panoral films greater than 50 per week. (approx.)
MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT:
1. Operating potential – greater than 50KV to decrease exposure.
2. Use of filters – up to 70KV this must be equivalent to 1.5mm of aluminium fitted to the exit window of the tube.
3. X-ray beam size not greater than 6cm.
4. Anode – skin distance must be greater than 10cm for 60KV or greater than 20cm for over 60KV.
5. Accurate exposure times are essential
PROTECTION FOR THE PATIENT AND OPERATOR:
1. Lead apron 0.25mm equiv. thickness.
2. Film holders and bite blocks should be used to prevent patients holding the film.
3. Use the fastest film possible and use intensifying screens where possible.
4. Choose technique carefully and execute properly to ensure no need to repeat.
5. Reliable and consistent processing of films is essential.
6. The operator must never:
- stand in the primary beam.
- hold any films in the patient's mouth.
- stand in controlled area during exposure.