Dental Assisting Radiology Introduction and Protection

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

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.

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

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).

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

What is the importance of xrays? Detection of dental caries, periodontal disease, growth patterns and development as well as the eruption of teeth

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

Radiation Protection

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

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

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

Lead Aprons/Thyroid Collars With Thyroid Collar Attached No Thyroid Collar

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.

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

After Exposure Proper Film Handling Proper Film Processing 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

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

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

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

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

Radiation monitoring badges- monitors the amount of radiation the operator is receiving Maximum Dose- 5.0 occupational .1 non occupational

Final Operator Protection Never hold the film in place for a patient. Never hold the tubehead during exposure.

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.

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.