Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the dosage and imaging conditions for patients undergoing intraoral radiography at Meikai University Hospital and establish assurance and quality control data.MethodsTube voltage, exposure time, and air kinetic energy released per unit mass (air kerma) of three intraoral radiography units were measured. To calculate the patient entrance dose (PED) for each radiograph using Insight film, we extracted data for 1063 patients from their exposure records. The PED was compared with the diagnostic reference level (DRL) from the European Commission and the UK.ResultsThe tube voltage of the three units was maintained at 60 ± 2 kV. Differences in exposure time were less than 1.7 % for all units. The air kerma rates were well maintained within a 4.2 % error. Based on the patient data, there were no significant differences in the mean exposure times for males and females for all anatomical sites. The mean PED ranged from 1.09 ± 0.31 mGy for the mandibular incisors to 2.42 ± 0.33 mGy for the maxillary molars. The mean PED at the mandibular molars using InSight film was 1.59 ± 0.20 mGy, being less than the recommended value based on the DRL for intraoral radiography in the UK.ConclusionsWe concluded that radiographic conditions at the hospital have been properly maintained. This basic quality control data may assist other dental radiation facilities to reduce patient dosage.
Highlights
Dental treatment often requires diagnostic imaging using X-rays, and it is important that dental practitioners follow a system for radiation protection
The mean patient entrance dose (PED) ranged from 1.09 ± 0.31 mGy for the mandibular incisors to 2.42 ± 0.33 mGy for the maxillary molars
The mean PED at the mandibular molars using InSight film was 1.59 ± 0.20 mGy, being less than the recommended value based on the diagnostic reference level (DRL) for intraoral radiography in the UK
Summary
Dental treatment often requires diagnostic imaging using X-rays, and it is important that dental practitioners follow a system for radiation protection. Patient exposure to radiation must be kept suitably low, appropriate equipment and facilities must be used, and a quality assurance (QA) program needs to be in place. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) [1], the final responsibility for radiation exposure lies with the physician and, dental practitioners should always be trained in the principles of radiological protection, including the basic principles of physics and biology. To optimize diagnostic imaging based on the ICRP recommendations, dentists should observe the principle of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) [2]. Optimizing intraoral radiography, an essential element in dental care [3], should be a primary concern of every dentist charged with the safe and effective operation of their X-ray equipment
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