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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
X-ray Dose Reduction through Adaptive Exposure in Fluoroscopic Imaging
Published on: September 11, 2011
Radiation dose-reduction techniques in North American dental schools
1Department of Diagnostic Sciences, University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry, Michigan 48219, USA. geistjr@udmercy.edu
Objective:
The purpose of this investigation was to describe the extent to which dental schools use materials, equipment, and quality-assurance protocols that reduce radiation exposure to patients.
Study Design:
Questionnaires soliciting information regarding intraoral and extraoral radiographic practices and quality-assurance procedures were sent to the directors of oral and maxillofacial radiology (OMR) at the 65 schools of dentistry in the United States and Canada.
Results:
The response rate was 100%. E-speed film is used at 86% of institutions. Direct digital radiography is used at 58% of institutions for intraoral imaging and 11% for extraoral radiography. Other dose-reducing techniques include long source-film distances (88%), rectangular beam limitation (47%), leaded aprons (95% for extraoral films; 85% with thyroid collars for intraoral films), and rare earth intensifying screens (100%). The most commonly used tube potential is 70 kVp (88%). The director of OMR is solely responsible for radiographic policies at approximately 75% of institutions. Regular tests for film fog, speed, and contrast are done at roughly 75% of schools, while over 90% test darkroom lighting and x-ray equipment.
Conclusions:
Some dose-reducing strategies are commonly used in dental schools, while others have not gained wide acceptance.
