Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Dentistry

The measurements of the five potential scenarios, some of which include misuse of X-ray device and handling the opposite of what the prescribed by regulations governing this area were performed. The highest patient dose was measured at the position of the thyroid, but in reality (given the number of exposures, i.e.. the number of dental images per month), this dose is 20-30 times lower. As expected, the highest dose was measured at the extremities (fingers) which adheres to the sensor and the annual dose received in this way is four times higher than the prescribed limits. The maximum effective dose was measured in a scenario where, also incorrectly, beam of the X-ray unit was directed directly to the operator. For scenarios in which the operator during the exposure stands at the back of the X-ray tube is not measured elevated doses (except for the case of adherence to the sensor). The dosimeter, which is mounted to the hand of the X-ray machine during operation, does not show an increased effective dose. Abiding by the principles of radiation protection when using intraoral dental X-ray unit, it is not possible to get out of the dose limits prescribed by law. Effective, but also the equivalent dose received by the patient during the exposure of the teeth are low as about 50 μSv per radiograph (equivalent dose of thyroid). (author).