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DOSE REFERENCE LEVELS IN SPANISH INTRAORAL DENTAL RADIOLOGY: STABILISATION OF THE INCORPORATION OF DIGITAL SYSTEMS IN
M Alcaraz1, F Velasco2, A Olivares2
1Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine/Dentistry, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain mab@um.es.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|December 26, 2015
Summary
Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in Spanish dental practices decreased significantly from 2002 to 2014, with mean doses falling by over 55%. Recent trends show stabilization, linked to digital imaging adoption.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Public Health
- Dental Imaging
Background:
- Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are crucial for optimizing radiation doses in medical imaging.
- Dental radiodiagnostic surgery practices in Spain have evolved over the past two decades.
- The transition from film-based to digital imaging systems impacts radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends and progress of DRLs in Spanish dental radiodiagnostic surgery between 2002 and 2014.
- To assess the impact of technological advancements on patient radiation doses.
- To establish current DRLs for routine dental imaging procedures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 34,044 official quality assurance reports from 16 Spanish regions.
- Data collection spanning from 2002 to 2014.
- Comparison of DRLs and mean doses over the study period.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in DRLs was observed, from 4.8 mGy in 2002 to 2.8 mGy in 2014 (a 41.7% decrease).
- Mean patient doses decreased by 55.2% during the same period.
- A stabilization in mean dose and a slower reduction in DRLs (6.7%) were noted in the last three years.
Conclusions:
- The widespread adoption of digital imaging systems has contributed to substantial dose reductions in dental radiodiagnostic surgery.
- While significant progress has been made, recent trends suggest a plateauing of dose optimization efforts.
- Continued monitoring and adherence to updated DRLs are essential for maintaining radiation safety in dental practices.
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