STANDARD 11: Radiology Services

11.1 General 

1. If the dental organization provides diagnostic radiology services, this service shall meet professionally approved standards and shall meet or exceed national law for radiation safety.

2. The dental organization’s radiological services, including any contracted services, shall be integrated into its dental organization management system.

3. The dental organization shall meet professionally approved standards and national law for administration and provision of radiologic services.

This shall include training and current credentialing certification for associated staff.

11.2 Safety for Patients and Staff 

1. The dental organization shall develop and implement policies and procedures to assure a safe environment for patients and staff specifically in areas where ionizing medical procedures are performed.

2. The dental organization shall maintain safety standards to prevent radiation hazard for patients and personnel including, but not limited to: 

a) adequate shielding for patients, staff, and facilities; 

b) timely testing, maintenance, and calibration of equipment according to manufacturer’s requirements and standards shall be done; 

c) maintenance, monitoring, and calibration of all critical measuring devices and equipment function; 

d) proper storage of radiation monitoring badges when not in use;

e) screening, shielding, and/or distancing methods to protect patients and staff; 

f) screening of patients and personnel for other potential hazards including pregnancy.

3. Staff who work in radiation areas shall be monitored continually for radiation exposure by using meters or badge dosimeters. Requirements shall include, but are not limited to:

 a) time, place, and position of radiation badges to be worn by relevant staff; 

b) methods for monitoring, measuring, and analysis of data collected including a specified timeframe for the appropriate and regular accomplishment of this requirement; 

c) appropriate and timely consultation with individuals to inform them of their degree of exposure; 

d) corrections and corrective actions indicated as result of a), b), and c) above; 

e) investigation of any high radiation exposure readings. Results shall be reported to appropriate dental management oversight authority; 

f) aggregate objective data monitoring, measurement, and analysis of the requirements herein shall be reviewed by the managing director for corrective action if required; 

g) any individual found to have excessive exposure shall be informed and mitigating action shall be taken.

4. The requirements of 11.2.4.f above shall be maintained as documented information.