Evaluation of dental x-rays equipment in sobral-ce, brazil

Abstract

The ionizing radiation has important application in dental diagnosis. In Brazil, the National Ordinance No. 453/1998 of the Ministry of Health regulates the operation of medical and odontological diagnostic radiology services. However, the inspection of periapical dental X-ray equipment is not carried out by some Sanitary Surveillances. This study intended to determine the suitability to the ordinance of the dental offices of Sobral-CE, Northeast of Brazil, and to compare the results with literature data for other cities of Brazil. It was performed tests of radiation field and image quality, and it was applied questionnaires to the professionals. For the image quality test, it was used a dental phantom and the processing of the films was performed in the clinics and at the laboratory (standard). The questionnaire assessed physical parameters that interfere on the radiation protection and on the quality of images. The results show that the ordinance is not being properly followed and that it is necessary to inspect the periapical X-ray equipments. Moreover, in general, it is observed that dental professionals should have better training on ionizing radiation and on radiation protection.