Radiography

Question 1

A set of local rules should be available at all practices where?

Answer 1

Ionising radiation is used

Question 2

What do the letters ALARP stand for?

Answer 2

As Low As Reasonably Practicable

Question 3

What do the letters IR(ME)R stand for?

Answer 3

Ionising Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations

Question 4

What do the letters IRR 17 stand for?

Answer 4

Ionising Radiation Regulation

Question 5

List 2 ways you implement ALARP in the dental practice?

Answer 5

1. Clinical audits
2. Only take radiographs when clinically necessary

Question 6

Give 2 ways of ensuring the safe use of any X-ray equipment in a dental practice?

Answer 6

1. Turn off X-ray machine after each exposure
2. Stand 1.5m - 2m behind primary beam - use a collimator

Question 7

List procedures that can be undertaken to ensure the radiographs taken in the practice are of good quality?

Answer 7

1. Carry out clinical audits
2. Step wedge test
3. Use a film holder

Question 8

State 3 points that must be contained in the local rules for radiography ?

Answer 8

1. Named RPS
2. Summary of contingency plan arrangements
3. Description of designated controlled area (1.5-2m)
4. Dose investigation level and arrangements for pregnant staff

Question 9

Which 4 precautions could be taken to ensure radiation is used safely in dental practices?

Answer 9

1. Use a collimator
2. West dosemeters
3. When X-rays are taken stand at least 1.5 - 2 meters away
4. All staff are qualified to take X-rays

Question 10

When should radiation machines be switched off?

Answer 10

After each exposure

Question 11

A fast film will mean a reduced exposure time? T/F?

Answer 11

True

Question 12

How often should a dental radiation machine be certified for radiation safety reasons?

Answer 12

Every 3 years

Question 13

What is the main role of the RPS in the practice?

Answer 13

Carry out risk assessment of radiography equipment
Ensure compliance with IRR/IRMER/Local Rules

Question 14

State 2 pieces of information you would expect to find in a radiation protection file

Answer 14

1. Copy of radiography risk assessment
2. Copy of staff qualifications
3. Copy of local rules

Question 15

State 2 reasons why it is important to have a quality assurance programme in relation to dental radiography

Answer 15

1. To ensure high quality films
2. To prevent the need to retake films

Question 16

Radiation monitoring badges must be worn when more than how many intra oral films are taken weekly?

Answer 16

100

Question 17

Radiation monitoring badges must be worn when how many extra oral films are taken weekly?

Answer 17

50

Question 18

State two adverse risks to health that dental radiography can have on the human body?

Answer 18

1. Damage to sensitive tissue/ damage to reproductive tissue
2. Cancer causing/ cumulative/ damage to foetus

Question 19

Give 2 reasons why it is important to maintain accurate and up to date records of xray film expiry dates

Answer 19

1. To avoid using out of date film
2. To use oldest stock first

Question 20

State 2 things an OPG radiograph would usually be taken to show.

Answer 20

1. Impacted third molar
2. Unerupted teeth for orthodontic assessment