Government Relations
DEP Announces Pilot Dental X-ray Equipment Survey Program
By Joseph Melnic , Chief , Division of Radiation Control , Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
The PA Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP ) regulates the use of medical and dental X-ray equipment in the Commonwealth . This equipment must perform to certain acceptable standards to maintain patient radiation dose at an optimal level . The DEP ’ s Bureau of Radiation Protection ( BRP ) routinely performs on-site evaluations of all Pennsylvania dental X-ray facilities on a periodic basis . These routine surveys are performed to ensure regulatory compliance , and to evaluate dental film processing and patient X-ray doses throughout the Commonwealth . This article is to inform the PDA membership that BRP has contracted with an independent firm , DIQUAD , LLC , to carry out a pilot program of evaluating intraoral image quality and radiation dose . This pilot program is being conducted at no cost to the dental facility . Please note , this evaluation is an enhancement to our program . It should NOT be considered a substitute for an on-site inspection .
Over the next few years , a random sample of several hundred dental facilities will receive a packet of materials by mail from DIQUAD . This packet will include a brief survey form , one dental image quality and dose Analyzer TM for each intraoral X-ray unit in a dental office , a control radiation dosimeter , detailed instructions and a stamped-addressed envelope to return the materials to DIQUAD .
The BRP asks that you promptly expose one Analyzer TM on each intraoral unit at your facility . The dental films in the Analyzer TM should then be removed and processed at your facility using your usual film processing methods . If you are using digital imaging , the digital images should be sent to DIQUAD via e-mail , including the analyzer serial number . You may also transfer the digital image ( s ) to a CD-ROM and mail them to DIQUAD .
Once your images and the radiation dose information have been analyzed , BRP will receive a summary report from DIQUAD . Within three months after you return the Analyzer TM and other materials , the BRP will send you an individual written report and advise you of how your image quality and patient radiation dose ( s ) compare to the dental community as a whole and , if any are necessary , offer suggestions for improvements . DEP is hopeful this new tool will assist in improving dental image quality , reducing patient radiation dose , prioritizing BRP dental facility inspections and minimizing inspection impact on your dental practice . Please , do not discard this device if mailed to your facility ! The BRP is seeking your cooperation and assistance in this valuable service to you and your patients .
If you have any questions for BRP , please do not hesitate to contact Sandra L . Martin , X-ray and Accelerator Program Supervisor , at ( 717 ) 787-3720 .
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10 May / June 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal