The portable X-Ray units are the most widely used, technologically advanced dental equipment in a dental clinic, still, it is imperative to maintain safety from radiation exposure by following all the guidelines of radiation protection.

1. In this era of the digital revolution, where the world is shifting from analog to digital
electronics, digital radiography has also become an essential part of a dental examination. Since
there is a higher risk in usingionizing radiation for Dental diagnostic purposes in day-to-day
practice, the diagnostic protocols have outweighed the risks associated with it.
The digital revolution hasled to manyinventions in devices, one such device is a Portable X-Ray
Device or hand-held X-rayDevice. Portable X-ray units are becoming trendier in dental offices
around the globe as a more cost-effective and space-savingalternative tofixed, Wall-Mounted X-
Ray Units.
Throughout the day, dental professionals take many Dental X-Ray images due to which theyare
exposed to radiation. So, questionsmay arise about the safety of the portable x-rayunit to be used in
a dental clinic.
Is X-Ray Unit Really Safe?
Dental diagnostic X-Rays are undoubtedlyexposed to the patient aswell as the dentist. Even if the
radiation dose is lower in the case of a Dental X-ray, still there is an inherent risk associated with
the radiation exposure which cannot be overlooked. Low-dose radiation can also cause manyhealth
effects to dentists.A few studieshave shown that long-term exposure of low dose radiation can
cause the below health issues:
 Affects Brain & Neck Areas
 Vital Organsin the Body
 Affects Thyroid, most commonly in female dentists
 Ionizing Radiation of X-Rayalso possesses carcinogenic effects.
 Fetal health issuesin case of Pregnant women
Hence, dentistsshould be conscious of the potential of accrual exposure to low-dose radiation
from dental diagnostic X-Ray and accordingly follow the safety recommendations& the
permissible doses.
Safety Standards to Reduce RadiationExposure in
Portable X-Ray Unit:

2. The exposure of radiation to the dentist is the measure of the radiation that leaks from the X-Ray
tube (radiation leakage)or radiation scatteringfrom the patient or through any other instruments
(Backscattered radiation).
The following safety measurescan be used for the prevention of radiation exposure from the dental
X-Ray Unit:
 Internal Shielding of Unit Housing:
As the dentist holds the X-Ray unit while takingan X-rayand unfortunatelydistance cannot be
maintained in thiscase, the leakage radiation is of serious significance. Hence, asper the Federal
standard incorporatingsufficient physical barrier inside the unit housingcan work as a shield and
prevent the leakage radiation exposure to the dentist.
 External Shielding of X-ray Unit:
For prevention of the backscattered radiation, the external housingof the unit should be equipped
with a physical barrier between the patient and the dentist. The backscattered shield should be
closer to the patient. The operator should stand behind the shield for safety.
 Beam Limitation:
The portable dental X-ray should be equipped with a beam limitation for focusing on the area of
interest while taking radiograph to avoid unnecessaryscattered radiation. The smaller radiation
area reduces the patient dose by 25% without any compromise with the beam aimingcapability.
 Duty Cycle
The Dental Portable X-ray Unit is also designed to avoid damage from overheating. The minimum
cycle ratingfor maximum exposure which is the relationship between duration and frequencyof
exposure duringa 60 second period is 1:60. So it is verymuch required that a portable X-ray
machine should have less exposure time as possible for less radiation exposure and required work
done.
 Timer:
To avoid unwanted exposure, the exposure must be terminated at a specified time interval. Also,
when it is set to TIMER OFF, the possibility to make an exposure becomes zero.
 Storage & Security of Dental Portable X-Ray Device:

3. When a portable x-rayunit is not under the control and continual monitoring of the registrant,
storage and security proceduresmust be designed and executed to ensure that it is protected against
illegal use or removal of the housing.
Criteria of A Safe Portable X-Ray Unit:
A high-voltage power supply in a high-frequency DCX-Ray Unit should be used in portable x-ray
equipment tolimit the radiation to the patient. Also, the X-ray tube should be surrounded by
compounds of heavymetalsto reduce any leakage of radiation from the tube.
The most widelyrecognized and FDA-approved portable X-Ray device is one with a cordless
operation, a rechargeable battery, and inbuilt LEAD shielding that gives more than 100 – 700
exposures on a single charge. To reduce the possibilityof inadvertent exposure, there must be an
automatic“Shut Off” and “Enable” functionality. The beam should be limited to 6cm only. All these
criteria are fulfilled with our Genoray Port X IIPortable X-Ray imported from South Korea.
Port X II portable X-ray unit is one of the highest-selling X-ray units in India due to its image
qualitywith minimum radiation exposure. It’sexcellent internal shieldingwith LEAD, makes it a safe
device bypreventingdispersion radiation.
Conclusion:
Though the portable X-Ray unitsare the most widelyused, technologically advanced dental
equipment in a dental clinic, still it is imperative to maintain safetyfrom radiation exposure by
following all the guidelinesof radiation protection. Following appropriate radiation safetystandards,
such as trainingand safe operatingprocedures, help to reduce exposure to radiation while also
reducesthe radiation hazardsfor a dental professional.
Book your free Genoray Port X II Portable X-Ray Demo at our Online Dental Store.