Dental Services
Dental Practices are required to appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser and a Medical Physics Expert. SG&A can act in both these capacities for you.
The advice is given under the provisions of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, HSE Approved Code of Practice and associated Guidance, and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017. It will also cover requirements and good practice contained in other relevant legislation and professional body recommendations.
SG&A clients benefit from:
Dental practices are visited annually for the first three years and thereafter biennially to:
- carry out
full assessment of the x-ray unit/s - undertake shielding checks
- record reference levels
- conduct an annual dose rate survey
- audit the radiation protection file
In the interim
*Please note: Legislative requirements dictate that practices with CBCT and/or handheld equipment need to be assessed on an annual basis.
Our comprehensive report advises, assists and makes recommendations regarding:
- risk assessments
- designation of areas
- radiation protection documentation including local rules
- quality assurance – reports and audits
- training requirements
- dosimetry
- appropriate monitoring
Our provisions also include:
- An annual RPA certificate
- 24-hour
on call emergency availability - Updates on relevant legislative changes
Radiation Protection File
Individualised to each practice comprising of:
- Legislation requirements
- HSE registration
- radiation risk assessment
- local rules
- equipment inventory
- Training records and registers
- Quality Assurance: reports and audits
Critical Examination and Acceptance Tests
A Critical Examination & Acceptance Test (CEAT) is required when a unit is first installed or if a major component e.g. tube-head, is replaced. Arranging a CEAT is the responsibility of the installing engineer, and they/you may ask SG&A to do the testing on their behalf.
Inspection of Plans
Planning to expand or move? Under IRR17 Schedule 4: Regulation 14(1) (2), an RPA must be consulted to undertake a prior examination of plans for installations. After inspecting the plans SG&A provide a report detailing
Training
Dentists/hygienists and nurses are required to complete 5hrs of CPD in their 5-year cycle in radiation protection and legislation. Providing the training meets requirements in the IR(ME)R 2017 Regulation 11 and Schedule 2, IRR 2017 Regulation 15, it would be considered that the person is ‘adequately and appropriately trained’ to take on the role of RPS.