Radiation Safety and Protection in Oral Sciences

Radiation Safety and Protection

• The presentation covers radiation safety and protection in oral sciences.
• It outlines learning objectives, content, patient protection, operator protection, radiation exposure guidelines, and radiation protection and patient education.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding the importance of radiation protection.
• Knowing various parameters and guidelines for radiation protection.
• Understanding the operator's responsibility for self and patient protection.

Content

• Patient protection
• Operator protection
• Radiation exposure guidelines
• Radiation protection and patient education

Patient Protection

• Biological changes following radiation exposure.
• Patient protection is needed to prevent accidental exposure.
• Actions to take before, during, and after exposure.

Before Exposure

• Determining the need for a radiograph.
• Ensuring appropriate equipment.
• Calculating the total filtration.
• Using appropriate collimation techniques (round or rectangular).
• Using a positioning indicating device.
• Selecting the correct technique.

During Exposure

• Using lead for protection.
• Using a thyroid collar.
• Using a lead apron.
• Choosing fast films (e-speed or f-speed).
• Using a beam alignment device.
• Adjusting exposure factors.
• Selecting the right technique.

Lead Apron and Thyroid Collar

• Lead aprons and thyroid collars are worn on all patients for all exposures, regardless of age, gender, or the number of images.
• They cover the neck and lap areas to protect reproductive and blood-forming tissues from scatter radiation.
• Many regions mandate the use of lead aprons.
• Thyroid collars are flexible lead shields placed around the patient's neck to prevent scatter radiation harming the thyroid gland.
• They can be a separate shield or part of the apron.
• A low level of dental x-ray exposure does not cause thyroid disease, but collars improve protection.
• Do not fold them when storing; instead, hang or place over a rounded bar.

Image Receptor-Holding Devices

• Devices prevent patient hand and finger exposure to x-rays.
• They keep the image receptor stable, assisting in proper positioning.

Beam Alignment

• Well-equipped radiographic units incorporate appropriate aluminum filters and lead collimators.
• Regular checking of equipment by regulatory agencies is vital.
• Malfunctioning equipment should be immediately repaired.

Aluminum Filtration

• Aluminum filters remove low-energy X-rays from the beam.
• These are harmful and not needed to make a high-quality diagnostic image.
• Machines above 70kVp use aluminum filtration.

Collimator

• Collimator limits the size and shape of the X-ray beam to reduce patient exposure.
• It can be round or rectangular, the rectangular one limits the beam to an area bigger than a size 2 intraoral film.

Position Indicator Device (PID)

• Directs the x-ray beam.
• Available in short (8-inch) and long (16-inch) lengths.
• Longer PIDs reduce x-ray beam divergence.

Exposure Factors

• Correct exposure factors limit radiation.
• kVp, mA, and time settings control exposure factors.
• 70-90kVp keeps patient exposure to a minimum.
• Pre-set manufacturer settings exist on some dental units.

Proper Technique

• Proper technique ensures diagnostic image quality and lowers patient exposure.
• Non-diagnostic images should be repeated, increasing patient exposure.
• Repeated images are a major cause of unnecessary exposure and should be avoided.

After Exposure

• Films should be handled and processed meticulously.
• Avoid unnecessary repeated radiographs.
• Ensure proper retrieval and storage of digital images.

Pregnancy and Radiation Protection

• Dental radiographic procedures are not altered during pregnancy.
• Lead aprons reduce pelvic radiation, thus minimal exposure to the embryo or fetus.
• Scientific evidence supports performing dental x-rays during pregnancy.
• If the patient is concerned, postpone the x-ray procedure.

Operator Protection

• Avoiding occupational exposure to x-rays.
• Staying clear of the primary x-ray beam.
• Maintaining an adequate distance (6 feet).
• Using lead barriers when distance can't be maintained.
• Positioning at a 90-135-degree angle from the primary beam.
• Proper use of protective barrier.
• Using film badges, pocket dosimeters, or TLDs to monitor radiation exposure.

Radiation Exposure Guidelines

• Using ALARA principle – As Low As Reasonably Achievable exposure.
• Maintaining minimum exposure.
• Minimizing risk with every measure.
• US National Council on Radiation Protection & Measurements (NCRP) and International Council on Radiation Protection (ICRP) guidelines exist.
• Occupational exposure limit = 5 rem/year
• General public exposure limit = 0.1 rem/year

Radiation Protection and Patient Education

• Answering patient questions about x-ray exposure.
• Providing information on protection measures.
• Using radiation protection/hazard symbols and instructions in the radiology room.

Additional Points

• The presentations include an Arabic translation in some slides.
• It highlights the importance of using correct techniques, equipment, and precautions for patient and operator safety.

This quiz focuses on the principles of radiation safety and protection relevant to oral sciences. Participants will learn about patient and operator protection, exposure guidelines, and the importance of proper education in mitigating risks. It covers various key aspects related to radiation exposure and safety protocols.