Radiation Safety

While the practice owner holds legal responsibility to enforce radiation regulation, they usually appoint a Radiation Protection Supervisor, a suitably trained dentist or nurse to manage this section.
 
There are restrictions on the amount of radiation certain groups are allowed to be exposed to such anyone over 18 years old and pregnant women.
 
There are two sets of regulations all Dental Practices must confirm to:

• The Ionising Radiation Regulation 1999 (RR99) this relates to the protection of the public and dental staff.
• The Ionising Radiation (medical exposure) Regulations 2000(IR (ME) R2000) which relates to patient protection.

Every Dental practice whether NHS or private must have a Controlled Area, this is the area where no one must stand.

• The path of the primary X-Ray beam (until it is attenuated by shielding)
• The area within 1.5m of the X-Ray tube and the patient, in any direction.

The Radiation Protection Supervisor would also take responsibility to enforce the regulations regarding Intra Oral Radiography

• Use film holders
• Intra-oral X-Ray machines should operate between 60-70 Kv
• For dental radiography use lead aprons for pregnant women
• Intra oral film of Speed E (or faster should be used
• Clinically audit to qualify of radiographs to review and approve procedures.

If anyone is exposed to a lager than intended dose, this must be reported to the Radiation Protection Adviser.