Cone Beam CT (CBCT) technology has revolutionized dental imaging, offering precise, 3D visuals that significantly enhance diagnosis and treatment planning. However, the responsibility to maintain this advanced equipment safely and effectively is paramount. To ensure your CBCT unit operates at its best, safeguarding your patients and staff, here are five crucial steps every dental practice should follow.
1. Conduct Monthly Quality Control Tests—Your Phantom Is Your Best Friend
The manufacturer recommends that your CBCT unit be maintained regularly with monthly quality control tests. These tests are essential to verify that the system is functioning optimally. The manufacturer typically provides a phantom—a specialized tool that mimics human tissue—designed to help you assess key aspects of your CBCT unit, including image quality and radiation dose accuracy.
Neglecting this routine check can lead to a decline in image quality, unnecessary radiation exposure, and potential diagnostic errors. By consistently performing this test, you ensure that your CBCT unit continues to deliver accurate, high-quality images crucial for effective patient care.
2. Schedule Annual Inspections with a Qualified Physicist
In addition to monthly checks, an annual inspection by a qualified medical physicist is vital. This comprehensive evaluation goes beyond routine maintenance, ensuring your CBCT unit meets all safety standards and regulations. The physicist will thoroughly assess the equipment’s performance, including radiation output and mechanical integrity, and provide a detailed report highlighting any areas that require attention.
These inspections are often a regulatory requirement and provide invaluable assurance that your CBCT unit functions safely, reducing the risk of excessive radiation exposure to patients and staff.
3. Verify Your Shielding Design: Safety First
A well-designed shielding plan is essential to protect your team and the public from unnecessary radiation exposure. The shielding design should be tailored to your facility’s layout, the CBCT unit’s location, and the volume of scanned patients.
Over time, changes in your facility—such as modifications to surrounding rooms or increased patient volume—may necessitate a review and update of the shielding plan. Regularly reassessing your shielding design ensures it remains effective and compliant with safety standards. If any significant changes have occurred, consulting a qualified physicist to update the shielding plan is strongly advised.
4. Monitor Radiation Levels in Adjacent Areas
Monitoring the radiation levels in areas surrounding your CBCT unit is critical to ensure they remain within safe limits for the general public. Regular radiation surveys help verify that the existing shielding is effective and that no unintended radiation affects nearby spaces.
If radiation levels in surrounding areas approach or exceed acceptable limits, immediate corrective actions, such as enhancing shielding or adjusting operational protocols, should be taken to protect your staff and the public.
5. Maintain Thorough Records for Compliance and Peace of Mind
Keeping detailed records of all quality control tests, annual inspections, and radiation surveys is good practice and essential for compliance with regulatory standards. These records serve as evidence of your commitment to safety. They can be invaluable if you ever need to demonstrate compliance with regulatory bodies or reassure patients about the safety of your practice.
Prioritizing Safety in Your Practice
Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your CBCT unit involves a combination of regular maintenance, expert inspections, and adherence to shielding and radiation safety standards. By incorporating these five essential quality checks into your routine, you can confidently provide the highest level of care while maintaining a safe environment for your patients, staff, and the surrounding community.
At Heartland Physics, we understand the complexities of maintaining a safe and compliant dental practice. Our team of experienced health physicists is here to assist you with everything from conducting annual inspections to updating shielding designs and performing radiation surveys. We are dedicated to helping you ensure that your CBCT unit operates at peak performance while keeping your patients, staff, and practice safe. If you need support with your CBCT quality control or any other radiation safety services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Heartland Physics. Let us help you maintain the highest standards of safety and care.