Radiation Safety In Dentistry

Radiation Safety In Dentistry

Discuss radiation protection method in detail.
or
Discuss in detail about radiation protection in dental radiology.
or
Write a short note on radiation safety measures for operator and patients.
Answer.

Protection of Patient

• X-ray machine: Good machines of reputed companies should be used.
• Selection of film: F- and E-speed films are used as they are of good quality and are highly sensitive. E speed films or Ekta speed films reduce exposure to 40%.
• Focal spot film distance: Longer is the focal spot film distance decrease is in the exposed tissue volume.
• Source skin distance: Increase in the source skin distance reduces the size of beam and reduces the volume of tissue irradiation which decreases the patient dose.
• Filtration: Low energy X-ray beam is removed by the filtration. As these X-rays do not contribute to the image formation they should be removed before they reach to the patient as they lead to the radiation exposure.

“Understanding the role of radiation safety in dental imaging: Q&A explained”

• X-ray collimation: It prevent the scattering. Beam should be collimated so that it is not more than 7 cm in diameter at the face of patient. Rectangular collimators should be preferred as they reduce the amount of tissue radiation.
• Intensifying screen: Use of rare earth screen decreases dosage for extraoral films.
• Grid: Grid decreases the fogginess of film due to the secondary radiation, this reduces the need for repeating the film.
• Kilovoltage: Operation of X-ray unit should be done at 60 to 90 kVp. X-ray beam of low kilovoltage leads to the higher patient doses, mainly to skin.
• Position-indicating devices: A 12 to 16 inches long position indicating device reduces exposure to patient as compared to short position indicating device. Open ended, circular or rectangular lead-lined cylinders are preferred to direct the X-ray beam.

“Importance of studying radiation safety for better dental outcomes: Questions explained”

• Lead aprons should be used who have lead content equivalent to 0.25 mm aluminum which is to be worn by patient during taking the radiograph.
• Thyroid collars should be weared to protect thyroid gland from radiation.
• Film-holding devices: They stabilize the X-ray film in mouth and so the hands of patient are not exposed to radiation.
• RVG: It decreases the dose of radiation required in IOPA.

Protection of the operator

• Operator should not hold X-ray film in mouth of patient at the time of exposure.
• Operator should not stabilize the X-ray machine at the time of exposure.
• Operator should not stand in the path of primary radiation.
• Operator should have to stand behind a lead barrier which consists of 0.5 mm lead equivalent during the exposure.

Dental x-ray safety precautions

“Common challenges in implementing radiation safety in dentistry effectively: FAQs provided”

• Operator should stand 6 feet away from primary X-ray beam.
• Operator should have radiation exposure monitored by personal monitoring devices or film badges.
• Operator should work on the rotation of duties, to avoid accidental exposure.
• The maximum permissible dose for whole body exposure per year for occupationally exposed individual is 5 rem. It should be noted that operator should not go above the range of maximum permissible dose.

Protection of other Persons

“Asymptomatic vs symptomatic effects of ignoring radiation safety protocols in dentistry: Q&A”

• Persons who are needed should stay in the room.
• Conch shell design of operatory area is recommended for protection of people in the surrounding areas.
• X-ray tube is away from doorways to avoid the accidental exposure.
• Monitoring of the radiation exposure to room and adjacent office premises is done.

Dental radiation protection guidelines

“Steps to explain the principles of radiation safety in dentistry: ALARA vs shielding: Q&A guide”

• Walls of X-ray shooting room consists of either the barium plaster or the increased thick walls which consists of additional layer of bricks.
• Displaying of warning signs and caution should be done.
• Regular radiation surveys should be carried out at regular intervals to detect the amount of radiation exposure