[Portable X-ray devices: technique, image quality and regulations]

Area of Science:

• Dental Radiology
• Medical Imaging Technology

Background:

• Portable intraoral X-ray devices are emerging as alternatives to traditional wall-mounted systems.
• Concerns exist regarding operator radiation exposure and diagnostic efficacy compared to conventional devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic quality of portable intraoral X-ray devices.
• To assess operator radiation exposure when using portable X-ray devices.
• To inform guidelines on the safe and effective use of portable dental X-ray technology.

Main Methods:

• Clinical trial comparing diagnostic quality of portable and conventional intraoral X-ray devices.
• Dosimetry measurements to determine operator radiation exposure.
• Analysis of radiation protection measures, including collimation and shielding.

Main Results:

• Diagnostic quality of CE-certified portable devices is comparable to conventional units.
• Operator radiation dose is higher with portable devices, even with protective measures.
• Current Dutch guidelines restrict portable device use to ambulant settings with extra precautions.

Conclusions:

• Portable intraoral X-ray devices can achieve adequate diagnostic quality.
• Operator safety requires careful consideration due to increased radiation dose.
• Further research into potential benefits of proximity control may influence future guidelines.
• Dentists must be cautious of non-CE-certified, potentially unsafe portable X-ray devices.