Restor Dent Endod.  2012 Aug;37(3):160-164. 10.5395/rde.2012.37.3.160.

The reduction methods of operator's radiation dose for portable dental X-ray machines

• Cho JY
• Han WJ

• KMID: 1995656
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2012.37.3.160

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was aimed to investigate the methods to reduce operator's radiation dose when taking intraoral radiographs with portable dental X-ray machines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two kinds of portable dental X-ray machines (DX3000, Dexcowin and Rextar, Posdion) were used. Operator's radiation dose was measured with an 1,800 cc ionization chamber (RadCal Corp.) at the hand level of X-ray tubehead and at the operator's chest and waist levels with and without the backscatter shield. The operator's radiation dose at the hand level was measured with and without lead gloves and with long and short cones.
RESULTS
The backscatter shield reduced operator's radiation dose at the hand level of X-ray tubehead to 23 - 32%, the lead gloves to 26 - 31%, and long cone to 48 - 52%. And the backscatter shield reduced operator's radiation dose at the operator's chest and waist levels to 0.1 - 37%.
CONCLUSIONS
When portable dental X-ray systems are used, it is recommended to select X-ray machine attached with a backscatter shield and a long cone and to wear the lead gloves.

Keyword

Dental digital radiography; Portable dental X-ray; Radiation dosage; Radiation protection

MeSH Terms

Hand
Radiation Dosage
Radiation Protection
Radiography, Dental, Digital
Thorax

Figure

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  Figure 1 Human skull phantom DXTRR III.

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  Figure 2 An 1,800 cc ionization chamber for low-level radiation measurement.

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  Figure 3 Two kinds of portable hand-held X-ray machines (Left-DX3000; Right-Rextar).

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  Figure 4 Operator's radiation dose was measured by an ionization chamber at the operator's hand level using the portable dental X-ray machine without a lead shield.

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  Figure 5 Portable dental X-ray machine with a lead shield.

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  Figure 6 Scattered radiation dose was measured by an ionization chamber at the operator's waist level.

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  Figure 7 Radiation doses were measured at the hand level of operators using an ionization chamber covered with a lead sleeve.

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  Figure 8 Operator's radiation dose at hand level of operator was measured using short and long cones.

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