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In dentistry, X-rays are used to identify problems such as infections, decay and bone loss.
They are an invaluable tool in helping practitioners to see areas of the mouth and/or conditions that might not be easily visible through routine examination alone. X-rays can also help to identify any problems that may present in the future.
We will consider X-ray use when we review if the practice is safe. This relates to:
Radiation protection legislation and guidance
In addition to our regulations, there is dedicated legislation and professional guidelines governing the use of dental X-ray equipment.
- The Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 relate to the protection of workers and the public
- Guidance notes for dental practitioners on the safe use of X-ray equipment (Public Health England and College of General Dentistry)
- New medical and dental guidance notes are expected from the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) in 2018.
Practices should consider
- How do you put arrangements for radiation protection into practice?
- Have you consulted a radiation protection adviser (RPA) and medical physics expert (MPE)? The same person may fulfil both roles.
- Have you registered with HSE? Where is your certificate?
- Have you documented the arrangements for radiation protection, for example, in a radiation file or folder?
- Do you quality assure / performance test the radiography equipment?
- Is the X-ray equipment maintained or serviced by an appropriate person? This could be the organisation which installed the equipment
- Does an appropriately trained staff member do a walk about visual inspection of X-ray sets to identify any safety faults?
- Which staff are involved in taking X-rays and are they trained?
- Have staff been trained according to current professional guidelines?
MHRA alert:
Medical Device Alert: Non CE-marked portable dental X-ray units (MDA/2012/046)