The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has partnered with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) to produce a factsheet for patients to explain different types of dental imaging and the associated levels of radiation exposure.
Director of Medical Imaging at ARPANSA, Peter Thomas said dental imaging methods such as X-rays were routinely used as part of general dental examinations and for diagnostic purposes.
“The two-page resource has been designed with the patient in mind, especially those who might be concerned about the level of radiation exposure from dental X-rays,” Dr Thomas said.
“Radiation exposure from dental imaging is typically very low level and the risk of negative health effects is minimal,” he said.
“The factsheet focuses on the different types of X-rays commonly used in dental treatments, including bitewing, periapical and panoramic X-rays.”
Dr Thomas said the factsheet featured an infographic that compared the radiation exposure from dental X-rays to other sources of exposure in everyday life, such as the radiation people would be exposed to during a flight from Darwin to Perth.
“By comparing the level of exposure from dental X-rays to everyday exposure situations, patients will be able to better understand the low level of radiation exposure from dental imaging,” Dr Thomas said.
ARPANSA’s two-page fact sheet can be accessed at this PS News link.
