Radiation Safety in Dentistry

The following are the responsibilities of a dental practitioner in maintaining radiation safety, EXCEPT

• ensuring that the dental radiation equipment comply with regulatory requirements

• establishing safe working area

• ensuring that operators are properly trained to operate the equipment and to undertake proper procedures

• ensuring equipment is of the most advanced technology

The regulations under Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 (Act 304) include:

• Radiation Protection (Transport) Regulations 1989

• Atomic Energy Licensing (Basic Safety Radiation Protection) Regulations 2010

• Radiation Protection and Control Act 2021

The dimensions for an extra-oral x-ray room should be at least

• 2.0x3.0m

• 2.0x2.0m

• 2.5x3.5m

• 3.5x2.0m

Protection for the operator includes

• Plastic apron

• Protective panel with glass for staff to stand behind

• Goggles

• All of the above

Which of the following statements is correct?

• Minimum lead equivalence for a lead apron is at least 0.1mm

• Thyroid shield should be used in adults where the thyroid is in the primary beam

• Lead aprons should be stored by laying it flat on a surface

• X-ray tube housing must be held by hand during operation

Intra-oral films of ISO speed group E are preferred as it reduces the amount of radiation by approximately 50%.

• True

• False

In cases where a female operator operating the dental radiological equipment is pregnant, she must be removed from her duties.

• True

• False

What are the principles of radiation protection?

• Time

• Place

• Shield