Stray radiation dose reduction using a backscatter shield and a rectangular collimator for a handheld intraoral X-ray...

Area of Science:

• Radiological protection
• Medical imaging technology
• Occupational health

Background:

• Handheld intraoral X-ray units are widely used in dental practices.
• Operator and public radiation exposure are key concerns in dental radiography.
• Shielding devices aim to minimize radiation dose during X-ray procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the dose reduction efficacy of a backscatter shield and a rectangular collimator.
• To assess the impact of these devices on both operator and public radiation exposure.
• To determine the combined effect of the backscatter shield and rectangular collimator.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a handheld intraoral X-ray unit equipped with a backscatter shield and/or a rectangular collimator.
• Measuring occupational exposure levels for operators.
• Measuring public (non-operator) radiation exposure levels.
• Comparing exposure levels with and without the shielding devices.

Main Results:

• Occupational exposure reduced by 40% with the backscatter shield alone.
• Occupational exposure reduced by 13% with the rectangular collimator alone.
• Combined use reduced occupational exposure to 7.7%.
• Public exposure reduced by 20% with the rectangular collimator; the backscatter shield had no significant effect on public exposure.

Conclusions:

• The backscatter shield is effective in reducing occupational radiation exposure.
• The rectangular collimator effectively reduces both occupational and public radiation exposure.
• Combined use of both devices offers the greatest reduction in occupational exposure.