Proposed values for diagnostic reference levels in intraoral dental radiography in Serbia

Abstract

Values for diagnostic reference levels are proposed for intraoral dental radiography in the Republic of Serbia. Proposed numbers for diagnostic reference levels were based on measurements on 119 intraoral units in clinical settings for an adult posterior bitewing X-ray. Values of 3.17 mGy, 3.11 mGy, and 1.58 mGy incident air kerma were found for image receptors film E class, charge-coupled device, and photostimulable phosphor plate, respectively. Similarly, 89.6 mGycm2, 88 mGycm2, and 44.6 mGycm2 air kerma-area products were found for the same detectors. All values are greater than those published in several other similar studies. This is especially true for charge-coupled device image receptors since this technology enables lower patient doses as reported before. This calls for urgent action to optimize intraoral dental imaging, so we present the radiographic techniques used and equipment description to help guide optimization actions.

Keywords

• dental radiography
• radiation protection
• diagnostic reference level