The national code that ensures radiation safety for patients and workers at dental clinics has been updated following international scientific assessment showing exposures in the dentist's chair are very low.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has published the new radiation protection code for the dental industry following an internal review and stakeholder consultation last year.
ARPANSA's Chief Medical Radiation Scientist, Dr Ivan Williams, says the agency regularly reviews and updates its codes to make sure they are aligned with international best practice.
'Dental imaging X-rays are often used as part of general dental examinations and/or diagnosis. Dental radiation exposure is extremely low, and very unlikely to have health effects; however, it is still important to have regulatory oversight to ensure that dental doses continue to remain low, and to provide assurance to the community,' Dr Williams said.
'We work with eminent authorities like the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the International Atomic Energy Agency whose protection principles and exposure limits form the basis for our national regulations governing the exposure of radiation to workers and the public,' Dr Williams said.
'As the Australian Government's primary radiation protection authority, we also work with state and territory regulators to implement this code, so it is applied consistently across the country for the safety of patients and workers.
'While the dental code has changed, the underlying dental safety guidelines are still under review but remain relevant. Practitioners can continue to follow their current protection measures,' he said.
Dr Williams says the agency is working with state and territory representatives and industry to review the safety guidelines.
'We expect there will be minor changes to safety guidelines reflecting the advances in dental imaging optimisation and confirming the very low radiation risks. '
'Patients and workers can be assured that regulatory guidance remains appropriate for contemporary dental practice.'
As the Commonwealth Government's primary radiation protection authority, ARPANSA develops codes, standards, guides and provides advice to support radiation protection and nuclear safety throughout Australia.
