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5 Radiation Health and Safety Tips for Dentists

Dental XRay Certification

Taking X-rays is a common practice in a dentist office. They can provide clues to diagnose diseases and injuries. While they are helpful, X-rays can also be dangerous if not used by someone who understands how they work and how to manage the risk for both the patient and staff.

  1. Limit the Patient’s X-Ray Exposure

The patient’s X-ray exposure should be limited as much as possible. On average, one chest X-ray is equivalent to 10 days’ worth of the natural background radiation a person is exposed to in most regions.

  1. Remove All Metallic Items from the X-Ray Field

Metal items like jewelry can cause interference when taking an X-ray. Have patients remove these items and ensure that no dental tools or equipment are found in the X-ray field. This will improve the accuracy of the image.

  1. Wear a Personal Radiation Detection Device

A personal radiation detection device, or dosimeter, won’t provide protection from exposure, but it will alert the wearer when they are nearing dangerous levels.

  1. Identify Problems & Alert Others When X-Ray Equipment Malfunctions

Never ignore a problem with X-ray equipment. As soon as an issue is identified, stop using the equipment and display a sign indicating there is a problem with your name and the date. Immediately contact a professional to inspect the device.

  1. Only a Trained Electrical Professional Should Work on X-Ray Equipment

X-ray generators use electricity. They are powered by a highly-regulated DC supply that operates between 40kV and 50 kV. This is necessary to produce optimum X-ray flux. Any equipment replacement or repair should be handled by a trained electrical engineer only.

Contact Strategic Practice Solutions today and  SIGN-UP for our next comprehensive two-day dental X-ray certification course; January 2018 in Southeast Michigan.

This course meets the Michigan Board of Dentistry requirement for dental assistant training. Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the entire program.

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