LECTURE 6 ~~~~~~ NOTION

The main x-ray beam should never be aimed through open doorways into hallways or rooms.

Walls in X-ray rooms may need lead shielding based on penetrating radiation measurements.

Measurements define the required thickness of radiation-shielding materials for walls.

A physicist determines the necessary radiation shielding thickness based on measurements of x-ray penetration.

Radiation protection aims to prevent deterministic effects (effects with a threshold) and limit the probability of stochastic effects (effects that occur by chance) to acceptable levels.

A set of rules primarily focusing on the safety of workers, particularly dental team members, when using ionizing radiation.

Ionising Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations, focusing on patient safety during medical x-ray procedures.

IRMER outlines four key roles: employers, referrers, practitioners, and operators, each with specific responsibilities for patient safety.

The International Commission for Radiological Protection emphasizes justification (finding benefit), optimization (ALARP), and limitation (following dose limits).

Clinicians should base their decision to use x-rays on proper assessment, expected outcome, diagnostic value for treatment and understanding of radiation effects.

Dental radiographs for high-risk patients are needed every 6 months.

Dental radiographs for moderate-risk patients are needed every year.

Dental radiographs for low-risk patients are needed every 2 years.

7 steps to optimize dental radiography, emphasizing image quality and patient safety.

Devices that hold image receptors, ensuring accurate image alignment with the x-ray beam.

A technique to reduce radiation exposure; avoid unnecessary repeat radiographs.

Using proper film processing conditions (manual or automatic) for accurate images.

Optimizing digital images for diagnostic quality and accuracy.

Following strict quality assurance protocols to guarantee radiographic quality and safety.

Protective garments used to shield the patient from radiation exposure.

Lead aprons are less effective than other methods at dose reduction because they primarily protect the patient's skin.

Protective covering for the thyroid gland during dental x-rays, reducing radiation exposure to a sensitive area.

Dental radiography on pregnant patients needs extra consideration for radiation exposure limits and patient safety.

Physical methods that limit radiation dose for the dental team, such as shielding and distancing.

Fundamental principles for safe and effective dental radiography.

Past annual radiation dose limits for different categories of workers and the public.

Current annual radiation dose limits, separated into categories: classified, non-classified, and general public.

3 categories for controlling radiation exposure: equipment, clinical judgment, and radiographic techniques.

X-ray equipment should use 60-70 kV to reduce patient dose.

1.5mm aluminum filtration removes low-energy x-rays, further reducing patient dose.

Adjustable kV, mA, and exposure times optimize the dose and improve image quality.

DC/Constant Potential output ensures consistent beam energy and short exposure times.

Rectangular collimation (40x50mm) focuses the x-ray beam, reducing patient exposure.

200mm FSD (Focal Spot Distance) reduces beam divergence, reducing the area of the patient exposed.

Continuously depressed exposure timer switches prevent interruption during exposure.

E or F speed films provide faster exposure times, lowering patient dose.

Rare-earth screens are more sensitive, enabling faster exposures and lower dose.

Solid-state/phosphor plate receptors are highly sensitive, enabling shorter exposures.

Selection criteria - descriptions of clinical conditions, including patient signs, symptoms, and history to define patients who might benefit from a specific radiographic technique.

Only use x-rays when absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Use lead aprons, especially if aiming at the pelvic area, and practice standard radiation safety protocols.

Dental staff must understand X-ray risks, especially pregnant staff members. Adhere to safety precautions and the "Golden Rules".

Stay at least 2 meters from the X-ray machine, don't hold the X-ray packet in a patient's mouth, and never hold the X-ray tube head during exposure.

Employees and students must not expose patients to unnecessary X-rays, practice due diligence during X-ray procedures, and report any accidents/overexposures immediately.

Yellow thermoluminescent dose meters, blue film badges, and electronic personal dosimeters are used for measuring radiation dose.

Details on methods and resolution of dose limitation issues in waiting rooms and corridors are not included in the current material.