Establishment of a diagnostic reference level for dental intraoral bitewing X-rays in Western Australia

Abstract

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for dental intraoral X-rays have been established in Western Australia. DRL values of 2.0 mGy incident air kerma (IAK) and 57 mGy cm2 air kerma-area product (KAP) for an adult posterior bitewing X-ray were determined based on 811 X-ray units surveyed. This IAK DRL value is greater than those established in several other nations and regions around the world in similar studies. Analyses of radiographic technique and equipment usage are included to provide broad guidance as to ways that imaging could be optimised, such as in the selection of exposure factors, collimators, image receptors, and X-ray unit models.