Section 325.5376. Conditions of operation.

(1) Deliberate exposure of an individual to the useful beam for training or demonstration purposes shall not be permitted unless there is a diagnostic need for the exposure and the exposure is prescribed by a dentist or physician.

(2)   The operator or the assistant shall not hold the film in place for the patient during the exposure.

(3)    During the exposure, the operator shall stand at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) from the patient and the x-ray tube and  outside  the useful  beam or behind a suitable barrier.

(4)   Only persons whose presence is necessary to conduct the radiographic examination shall be permitted in the radiographic room during exposure.

(5)   The operator shall direct the x-ray tube such that the useful beam strikes a primary barrier or unoccupied area after emerging from the patient.

(6)   Neither the tube housing nor the cone shall  be hand-held  during the exposure.

(7)   Fluoroscopy shall not be used in dental examinations.

(8)   The exposure to the patient shall be kept to the practical minimum consistent with clinical objectives.

(9)    X-ray film with a minimum sensitivity of 12.0 to 24.0 reciprocal roentgens as specified in American standards association speed group  D (A.S.A. PH 6.1-1961) shall be used for routine dental radiography.

(10)    The x-ray beam and the film shall be aligned very carefully with the area to be radiographed.

(11)    Film processing materials and techniques shall be those recommended by the x-ray film manufacturer unless otherwise tested to insure maximum information content of the developed film. Sight developing is not permitted except under extreme emergency conditions. Correct temperature control and development time are necessary to minimize radiation dose to the patient.

(12)    A variable intensity light source should be  used  for   viewing  the  finished radiograph.

(13)    A radiographic x-ray system shall not be left unattended without locking the apparatus, room or building in some manner which will prevent use of the apparatus by unauthorized persons.

History: 1979 AC.