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References

NRPB London: Department of Health; 2001
Carmichael F. The consistent image – how to improve the quality of dental radiographs: 1. Quality scale, operator technique, X-ray set. Dent Update. 2005; 32:611-616
Carmichael F The consistent image – how to improve the quality of dental radiographs: 2. The image receptor, processing and darkroom/film handling. Dent Update. 2006; 33:39-42
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Quality assurance tests for digital radiography in general dental practice

From Volume 41, Issue 2, March 2014 | Pages 126-134

Authors

Chris Greenall

BDS, MFDS RCS(Eng), DDMFR RCR

Specialty Registrar in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff

Articles by Chris Greenall

Nicholas Drage

BDS, FDS RCS(Eng), FDS RCPS(Glas), DDR RCR

Consultant Maxillofacial Radiologist, Cardiff University, School of Dentistry, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY

Articles by Nicholas Drage

Matthew Ager

CSci MIPEM

Medical Physics Expert (Diagnostic Radiology), Radiation Protection Service, Velindre Hospital, Cardiff, UK

Articles by Matthew Ager

Abstract

Quality assurance (QA) is essential in dental radiography. Digital radiography is becoming more common in dentistry, so it is important that appropriate QA tests are carried out on the digital equipment, including the viewing monitor. The aim of this article is to outline the tests that can be carried out in dental practice.

Clinical Relevance: Quality assurance for digital equipment is important to ensure consistently high quality images are produced.

Article

The provision of diagnostic radiographs, whilst keeping patient radiation dose as low as reasonably possible, is a cornerstone of good clinical practice. The National Radiological Protection Board's Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-Ray Equipment document states that essential procedures tested within a quality assurance (QA) programme should include:1

A QA programme should be comprehensive but affordable and straightforward to undertake. Exact details of the tests, their outcomes and who is responsible for them should be included as part of a dental practice's radiation protection file.

Most articles in the dental literature detailing how these procedures are undertaken are orientated towards conventional dental radiography, with very few addressing digital dental systems.2,3,4 As technology advances, more dental practices are installing digital dental radiography systems. Approximately 25% of practices are now using digital radiography systems,5 which means that previously essential QA tests, involving film and film processing, are redundant and need replacing with tests more relevant to digital detectors. In addition, display monitors need to be included in the QA programme.

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