This document discusses dental radiography safety. It recommends that dental radiographs only be performed when necessary by licensed dentists or qualified professionals. The operator should stand at least six feet from the beam or behind a protective barrier with a viewing window. Required filtration levels vary depending on the x-ray unit's operating range, with higher kVp units requiring more filtration. Thyroid shields can reduce thyroid dose without affecting image quality. Patients should be shielded with at least 0.5mm lead apron shields, which should not be folded or bent. Closed, pointed cones are discouraged due to increased scatter radiation.

1. Dental Radiography Safety
By
Amin Abusallamah

2. Goal of x ray
• The goal of dental radiography is to obtain
useful diagnostic information if it not
necessary don't do I t.

3. Ordering Dental Radiographs
• Dental radiographs must only be performed
by dentists or other legally qualified.

4. Operator Location
• The operator of the dental unit must stand at
least six feet from the useful beam or behind a
protective barrier.
• If a protective barrier is used, it must have a
viewing window to allow the operator to see
the patient.

5. Filtration Requirements
• The amount of filtration required varies
with the operating range of the x-ray unit.
For example:
• For 51 to 70 kVp units - 1.5 mm Al
• Units above 70 kVp - 2.5 mmAl

6. ( Thyroid Shield (Collar
• The primary dental beam
may pass near or
occasionally through the
thyroid gland. A thyroid
shield may reduce the
dose to the gland without
interferingwith obtaining
a diagnostic image.

7. Lead aprons
• Patients should be shielded
with lead aprons and These
shields should have at least
0.5 mm of lead equivalent.
• Do not fold or bend aprons.
Hang aprons to prevent
damage and loss of
protective qualities.

8. Cones
• The ADA discourages the use of short, closed,
pointed cones because of the increased
scatter radiation close to the face and
adjacent areas of the patient’s body.

9. Thank you