Survey of Quality Control of Dental X-ray Machines in Private Clinics in Riyadh

ABSTRACT

Implementing a quality assurance (QA) program facilitate a radio diagnostic machine in acquiring sufficient radiological information of superior quality while minimizing the radiation dose administered to the subject. Integral to this program is Quality Control (QC), which ensures quality through various measurements and procedures. The main objective of this study is to assess the compliance of private dental clinics operating dental X-ray machines in Riyadh with the QC requirements. Fifteen private dental clinics in different areas in Riyadh selected and examined in the study. QC tests performed on all different X-ray machines from different manufacturers. The QC tests were kV accuracy and reproducibility, exposure time accuracy and reproducibility, and beam quality in terms of Half-Value Layer (HVL). Of the surveyed devices, two did not pass all the criteria for QC requirements. The dental X-ray machine that did not pass i.e. failed exclusively in kV accuracy but passed all the remaining QC tests. Particularly the exposure time reproducibility and Kilovoltage Accuracy. It is essential to establish a QC program in private dental clinics operating radiation-producing machines such as dental X-ray machines as it is important to ensure their compliance with the national standards for radiation safety.

Keywords: QC tests, Dental radiography, Kilovoltage accuracy, Radiation protection.