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Why do I need a Dental Radiation Protection Advisor?The Ionising Radiations Regulations require you to appoint a dental Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA).  The RPA will provide you will advice on radiation shielding and safety in your practice.  This will include...

Dental x-ray radiation risk assessmentBefore using x-ray equipment for the first time, it is important that a specific risk assessment for the work is produced in conjunction with an RPA and documented.  The risk assessment identifies the risks due to radiation and...

Dental X-ray equipment testing - how often?Testing of x-ray equipment safety features and protection of staff and public is a requirement of the Ionising Radiations Regulations, while testing of the equipment for medical exposures is required by the Ionising Radiation...

Non-CE marked x-ray equipment: risk not rewardWe have seen a resurgence of non-CE marked x-ray equipment (frequently from China) appearing in the UK and on which we have had to provide Dental RPA advice regarding equipment safety, performance and suitability. Whilst...

Dentist Registration with HSE: registering work with radiation & x-ray with HSE October 2023 updateA dentist is required to register their work with radiation with HSE, this applies across all four nations. In October 2023 the HSE have written to all registration...

Dental Local Rules - a key part of your Radiation Protection FileThe purpose of Dental Local Rules is to outline the key working instructions to minimise the risks from the use of x-ray radiation during radiography. They are a requirement of the Ionising Radiations...

What testing should X-ray equipment have?Testing of x-ray equipment safety features and protection of staff and public is a requirement of the Ionising Radiations Regulations, while testing of the equipment for medical exposures is required by the Ionising Radiation...

X-ray radiation protection - what do you need to do when opening a new / squat practice?There are a number of steps regarding radiation protection and HSE/CQC compliance you need to consider when starting up a new practice.   They are -Appoint an RPA/MPE -Send the...

Are personal radiation dosimetry (monitoring) badges required in dental practices?Personal dosimetry (wearing of radiation monitoring badges) used to be more prevalent in dentistry – so what has happened?To begin, the inherent safety features of dental x-ray equipment...

Dental CBCT Radiation Shielding - What is Required?Dental cone beam CT (CBCT) scanners are now becoming much more prevalent. Working procedures, precautions and construction techniques which are well established for dental radiography will in many circumstances not be...