Audit on reducing radiation exposure to patients

Taking radiographs is an essential part of most orthodontic examinations. A radiograph is only taken when there is a clinical need for the information it will provide which will be of benefit to the patient. When we decide that we need a radiograph, we have an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that we take all reasonable precautions to minimize the patient’s exposure to ionizing radiation. These measures include regular checks on the x-ray machines we have and training updates for the staff taking the x-ray views.

In order to check the quality of the radiographs we take, 30 consecutively taken panoral views were collected and then graded according to quality. The audit showed that all 30 views were of the highest possible quality and none needed to be repeated. The audit was then repeated with the same findings. This reassured us that the equipment we have and the procedures we follow allows us to consistently obtain the necessary diagnostic information without unnecessarily exposing our patients to ionising radiation