OSL dosimeters for dental panoramic radiography

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Dosimetry
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Patient dosimetry is crucial in diagnostic radiography.
• Panoramic radiography involves radiation exposure to the head and neck region.
• Accurate estimation of equivalent dose is necessary for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the dosimetric characteristics of commercial optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs).
• To estimate the equivalent dose received by patients during panoramic radiography.
• To assess the suitability of OSLDs for in vivo dosimetry in dental procedures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized InLight™ OSL nanodosimeters for dose measurements.
• Employed a digital panoramic unit (Instrumentarium OP200D) with standard exposure parameters.
• Calibrated dosimeters for air kerma and placed them on the thyroid surface.
• Measured equivalent doses for male and female adults across different positions and heights.

Main Results:

• Male adult equivalent doses ranged from 21 to 45 µSv for a standard field of view.
• Female adult equivalent doses ranged from 28 to 75 µSv for a standard field of view.
• The lowest dose was 21 µSv (male, thyroid surface, medium height); the highest was 75 µSv (female, parotid surface, small height).

Conclusions:

• Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters are appropriate for in vivo dosimetry in dental panoramic radiography.
• OSLDs provide reliable measurements of patient equivalent dose during these procedures.
• The findings support the use of OSLDs for monitoring radiation exposure in dental settings.