Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol.  2009 Dec;39(4):199-203.

Reference dose levels for dental panoramic radiography in Anyang City

• Kim YH
• Lee JS
• Yoon SJ
• Kang BC

Abstract

PURPOSE: To measure dose-width product (DWP) values used for dental panoramic radiography in Anyang city, Korea.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-six panoramic dental radiographic sets (17 analogue panoramic sets and 19 digital panoramic sets) in 36 dental clinics in Anyang city were included in the study. Each patient's panoramic exposure parameters were simulated and the panoramic radiation doses were measured at the secondary collimator using a Mult-O-Meter (Unfors Instruments, Billdal, Sweden) at each dental clinic during 2006. The third quartile DWP was determined from 310 surface dose measurements on adult.
RESULTS
The third quartile DWP for adult panoramic radiograph was 106.7 mGy mm. For analogue and digital panoramic radiograph, 3/4 DWP were 116.8 mGy mm and 72 mGy mm respectively. The overall third quartile DWP of panoramic radiography was 106.7 mGy mm.
CONCLUSION
The measured 3/4 DWPs were higher than the 3/4 DWP of 65 mGy mm recommended by NRPB. Dentists who are operating above the reference dose should lower their panoramic exposure doses below the recommended reference value by changing the exposure parameters and/or their panoramic equipments.

Keyword

Radiation; Gray; Panoramic Radiography

MeSH Terms

Adult
Dental Clinics
Dentists
Humans
Radiography, Panoramic
Reference Values