PROTECTION DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUE SAFETY
RADIOLOGY POLICIES
General Policies Regarding the Use of Ionizing Radiation Maximum Permissible Dose
ALARA Concept The ALARA concept states that all exposure to radiation must be kept to a minimum, or “as low as reasonably achievable”. To provide protection for both patients and student clinicians, every possible method of reducing exposure to radiation should be employed to minimize risk. POLICY FOR RADIATION SAFETY The primary goal is to assure safe, effective use of ionizing radiation as a diagnostic tool and to minimize as much as possible any potential risk from adverse biological effects to patients, students, and faculty. No radiographs will be taken unless authorized by the supervising dentist following the completion of the medical and dental histories and the clinical examination. If relevant diagnostic radiographs exist, they will be obtained and evaluated before new radiographs are exposed. Relevant bitewings must be taken within the last year; Panoramic radiographs within the past 2 years, and FMX series within the last 5 years.
Radiation protection standards dictate the maximum dose of radiation that an individual can receive. The maximum permissible dose (MPD) is defined by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP) as the minimum dose equivalent that a body is permitted to receive in a specific period of time. The MPD is the dose of radiation that the body can endure with little or no injury. To eliminate unnecessary radiation dose to patients, the NCRP recommends that images are to obtained only when clinically needed and that the radiation dose is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). The most current report states the current MPD for occupationally exposed persons is 5.0 rem/year. However, the MPD for a pregnant person is a limit of .1 rem/ year.
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Dental Hygiene Program
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