X-Ray Inspection
X-Ray Inspection Services
The Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-Ray equipment states that "It is recommended that routine tests normally be carried out every 3 years". The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) states that X-Ray equipment "be properly maintained so that it remains fit for the purpose for which it was intended" and "be adequately tested and examined at appropriate intervals".
How often do I need my X-Ray equipment inspecting?
The majority of manufacturers recommend you have an annual electro-mechanical inspection.
For radiological checks, a test should be undertaken at least once every 3 years. You may find, however, that it is more convenient for you to have DBG carry out this type of testing along with the annual electro-mechanical test.
How long will an X-Ray inspection take?
Our inspection usually takes 45 minutes for an intra-oral X-Ray set and an hour and a half for a panoramic X-Ray set.
How much do you charge?
For intra-oral and panoramic X-Ray sets, the price of an inspection is £91 per X-Ray unit.
Panoramic x-ray inspection with or without a ceph is £220 member price and will take 1 hour 30mins to 2 hours (if with a ceph).
What will our engineer actually do during the inspection?
- Ensure the X-Ray set is switched off
- Review the paperwork from the previous visit(s) and make a note of any concerns noted which have not been addressed. If they have not been addressed, ensure they are noted and brought to your attention before the test continues
- Check serial number of the X-Ray tube head
- Mark down the operating potential [kV], tube current [mA] and filtration values from the tube head
- Check the stability of the X-Ray mount
- Check for any damage to the tube head
- Check the electrical and mechanical safety of the machine and grade its condition 1-5
- Check the condition of the X-Ray exposure control
- In the case of an intra-oral X-Ray set, check the condition and operation of the counter-balanced arm and fittings
- In the case of a panoramic X-Ray set, check the rotational movement of the X-Ray tubehead and the fitting
- Switch on the X-Ray set
- Check the operation of the dead man switch and/or emergency stops
- Complete the required numbers of exposures and record the results (patient entrance dose [mGy], kV, exposure time, filtration)
- Check the consistency of the radiation output
- Complete ‘Radiological Inspection’ paperwork, accurately completing all fields
- Photograph the X-Ray equipment as a record of any concerns noted on your paperwork
- Highlight any discrepancies to you in relation to the operation of the X-Ray equipment
- Ensure that the exposure settings are as found on arrival
- Switch the X-Ray set off
- If you have DBG Membership and/or are a member of DBG’s Radiation Protection Consultancy, the results will be sent to DBG’s RPA/MPE for review and, for the routine performance testing, a brief formal report will then be issued to the practice.
