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08 February 2012

Answer to Question #5170 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Shielding

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

NCRP Report 145, Radiation Protection in Dentistry, in 3.2.1 "Shielding Design" requires that design be done for new dental facilities and shielding added if required. 3.2.1.1. "Barriers" seems to indicate that a protective barrier is required to be installed for the operator regardless of the shielding design recommendations and 3.2.1.2. "Distance" allows for an appropriate distance (2m) in existing facilities to be acceptable. This appears to impact the design of open-bay, side-by-side, shared x-ray layouts. Do all new dental clinics need to have a protective barrier installed between the operator and patient?

The intent of the report is to provide for some sort of wall between the patient being x rayed and the x-ray machine operator. Since it is possible for some layouts to be a totally open room with no walls, it may be possible to install the x-ray equipment with a cord that will move the operator a safe distance away. This, of course, would require the operator to follow the stipulation of where to stand during exposures.

Due to varying state regulations regarding operator control areas, I recommend that you consult a qualified expert to determine what will work best for your facility. If you have trouble locating a qualified expert, contact your state radiation control office for a list of individuals.

Ken “Duke” Lovins, CHP

Answer posted on 14 February 2006. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.