Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: The use of hand-held portable x-ray units is on the rise in dentistry. X-ray equipment operators are worried about being exposed to radiation-induced risks. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of scattered radiation around PORT-XII portable dental radiography device. Material and Methods: In this descriptive study radiation dose measurement was carried out at 6 positions around the PORT-XII radiography unit (over, under, right, left, behind and front at a distance of 1 meter from the unit). Dosimetry was carried out by the Geiger-Muller counter. The setting for all the exposures consisted of 60 kVp, 2 mA, and 0.3 s and Primax (class E) films.  In the current study 15 patients were evaluated. Study data was compared to the annual maximum permissible dose. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 18 (α = 0.05). Results: The measured backscattered radiation at 6 positions around the PORT-XII unit at a distance of 1 meter far from the equipment was below the annual maximum permissible dose of 50 msv. The backscattered radiation behind the PORT-XII unit was less than other sides and the mean was 0.98 ×10-3 msv, demonstrating a significant difference from other sides (p value < 0.001). However, other sides were not significantly different from each other (p value = 0.169). The mean of the measured dose was 0.002 msv near the unit and 0.004 mR 1 meter away from the unit. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, the measured dose around PORT-XII unit was well below MPD.   Key words: Occupational exposure, Radiation dosage, Scattered radiation