American Dental Association Optimizing Radiation Safety in Dentistry Guideline Summary 2024

General Recommendations for All Modalities

1.0.1 The practice shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulatory requirements regarding the safe and effective use of radiography-based imaging modalities, including installation, usage, optimization, patient and operator protection, infection control, maintenance and training for radiographic equipment and procedures.
1.0.2 New facilities, or facilities installing or relocating radiographic and CBCT∗ equipment must follow state and local regulations pertaining to radiation safety in effect at the time of construction or renovation.
1.0.3 Follow manufacturer’s provided documentation for safe and proper operation, maintenance, and infection control procedures for radiographic, CBCT, and related radiographic imaging equipment.

1.1.1 The dental practice shall develop and implement a radiation safety program that provides all staff members with instructions and guidance for maintaining a safe radiographic imaging program. The program should be consistent with nationally established recommendations for the radiation protection of both patients and staff members and adhere to all applicable state and local requirements, be developed and implemented under the guidance of a qualified expert, and should be regularly reviewed and updated to be current with applicable established guidance and regulations.
1.1.2 Personnel performing radiography-based dental and maxillofacial imaging shall have the qualifications, education, training, and licensure as required by relevant federal, state, and local regulations.

Optimizing Radiation Safety in Dentistry