Dental Radiation Safety

Dentists and dental staff use x-rays to visualize a patient's dental system. Exposure to radiation from x-ray machines over a period of time can lead to harmful side effects such as birth defects, sterility and hormonal imbalance. Radiation safety is important to protect both the patient and dental staff

Protect The Patient

• Before exposing the client to radiation, place a protective lead apron with a thoracic or high collar over the patient. Ensure that the patient's neck is covered to protect his thyroid glands.

Holding Films

• The radiation administrator should not hold a film in a patient's mouth during a radiographic exposure.

Operator Protection

• The person operating the x-ray machine is advised to never stand in the direct path of the x-ray beam, but should instead, stand about 6 to 8 feet away from the patient behind a lead lined wall during radiation administration.

Faulty Machinery

• Dental staff should ensure that x-ray machines function appropriately by making sure that an independent examiner monitors the machines according to local or state laws.

Dosimeter

• X-ray operators in the dental office should always wear a dosimeter badge when administering radiation. This is done to monitor how much radiation dental staff are exposed to and to ensure radiation safety standards in the dental office. The badge is sent to an outside monitoring agency for assessment.