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Dental Assisting Radiology

Introduction and Protection

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• Radiation- a form of energy carried by waves or a stream of particles

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• X-Radiation- a high energy of radiation produced by the collision of a beam of electrons with a metal target in the x-ray tube.

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• X-Ray- a beam of energy that has the power to penetrate substances and record image shadows on photographic film.

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• Radiology- The science or study of radiation.

• Radiograph-a picture or image on film produced by the passage of x-ray through an object or body (also called xray film).

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• Dental radiograph- photographic image produced on film by the passage of xrays through teeth and related structures.

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What is the importance of xrays?• Detection of dental caries,

periodontal disease, growth patterns and development as well as the eruption of teeth

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Radiation Biology

• The study of the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissue to understand the harmful effects of x- radiation.

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Radiation Protection

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Patient Protection

• X-radiation causes biologic changes in living cells

• Minimize the amount of radiation received by the patient, using proper protection techniques

• Use before, during, after exposure

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BEFORE

• Prescribing dental radiographs• Always review the health history of a

patient prior to exposing x-rays.• Dentist uses professional judgment

re: – Number– Type– Frequency– Each patient’s condition is different

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Patient Protection

• Lead Apron- lead shield over patient’s chest and lap to protect the reproductive and blood forming tissues from scatter radiation.

• Thyroid collar- lead shield around Patient’s neck

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Lead Aprons/Thyroid Collars

With Thyroid Collar Attached No Thyroid Collar

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Lead Apron Storage

• When not in use, lead aprons should be hung for storage.

• They should never be folded because this could lead to cracks in the lead, decreasing the protection to the patient.

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During Use fast film and film holders• Fast film- D.E.F. F being the fastest• Film holding device- so patient doesn’t

have to hold film

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After Exposure

• Proper Film Handling– Careful handling during the period from

exposure to processing– Avoid artifacts (scratches, etc) that will

result in nondiagnostic films

• Proper Film Processing– Use fresh solutions and proper methods– Avoid retakes

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Operator Protection

• The Guidelines for the dental radiographer are based on the following rule:

• The dental radiographer must avoid the primary beam.

• Operator protection guidelines include recommendations on– Distance– Shielding– Positioning

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Radiation Safety Legislation

• State and federal regulations set the standards of protection for the operator and patient.

• All x-ray machines need to be registered, examined and issued a certification. ONLY certified people can operate a x-ray machine

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• The operator should stand – a minimum of 6

feet from the patient

– at an angle of 90-135 degrees from the patient.

- Or behind a barrier wass

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Protective Barriers

• Most dental offices achieve adequate shielding through the use of several layers of thickness of common materials such as drywall.

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• Radiation monitoring badges- monitors the amount of radiation the operator is receiving

• Maximum Dose- 5.0 occupational• .1 non occupational

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Final Operator Protection

• Never hold the film in place for a patient.

• Never hold the tubehead during exposure.

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Radiation Monitoring

• Dosimeter/ Film Badge – Is used to record any radiation which may be received by the operator.

• Each operator has his/her own badge;– worn during the workday– when in the clinical area

• Worn at waist level• Stored in radiation-safe area when not

in use.

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ALARA concept

• All exposure to radiation must be kept to a minimum:– “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”

• Use every possible method of reducing exposure to radiation to minimize risk

• This includes the use of minimum exposure time in combination with the fastest film available.