Cone Beam Computed Tomography
2024
{
Quick Tips for the Dental Office
}
Cone Beam Computed Tomography
As the use of cone-beam computed tomography( CBCT) machines becomes more prevalent in dentistry, it is important to understand the additional regulations and protocols that offices with CBCT machines are required to adhere to.
Evaluations
CBCT machines are required to receive a performance evaluation conducted by or under the direct supervision of a qualified medical physicist or qualified expert:
• Within 30 days of initial installation
• On an annual basis, not to exceed 14 months
• Within 30 days after any changes or replacement components which could cause a change in the radiation output or image quality
The performance evaluation should follow nationally-recognized standards or those recommended by the manufacturer, and is not the same as the inspection conducted by Department of Environmental Protection.
During the evaluation, the beam alignment must also be evaluated to assure that the x-ray field in the plane of the image receptor may not exceed beyond the edge of the image receptor by more than 2 % of the source-image receptor distance( SID), when the axis of the X-ray beam is perpendicular to the plane of the image receptor. In addition, the center of the X-ray field must be aligned with the center of the image receptor to within 2 % of the SID.
Quality Control
Regulations require that CBCT machine registrants:
• Document and implement quality control( QC) guidelines in accordance with nationallyrecognized standards
• Document and implement policy addressing deviations for established protocols
• Maintain documentation of established standards and tolerances, and testing results for 5 years for inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection
2024