Results of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Dental X-ray Survey Program

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Abstract
Following the pro-mulgation of the Regulation for Radiation Protection, Article 433, in 1956, the Pennsylvania Department of Health initiated a survey program of dental X-ray equipment in the Commonwealth. Of the 5252 dental X-ray installation 95% were surveyed. A 43% reduction in exposure output at the tip of the cone was determined to have occurred between 1956 and 1966. Thirty-eight % was a result of satisfying regulatory requirements and the remainder resulted from inprovements in radio-graphic techniques by the operators. The present average annual individual gonadal exposure from dental X-rays is estimated to be 0.06-0.6 mR. Further exposure reductions can be expected following adoption of long cone techniques, ultra-fast films, high energy developers and longer developing times, and high kVp techniques. It is estimated that if all dental X-ray equipment is operated at the maximum kVp rating with ultra-fast film, a further reduction of 70% of dental X-ray exposure could be realized in Pennsylvania.

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