Section 325.5396. Hand-held portable dental x-ray systems.

(1) X-ray equipment designed to be hand-held shall comply with the general requirements of R 325.5373, excluding subrules (11) and (15).

(2)   The x-ray tube housing for tubes designed to be hand-held shall be constructed such that the leakage radiation measured in air at a distance 5 centimeters from any point on the external surface shall not exceed 0.02 mGy (2 milliroentgens) in 1 hour when operated under conditions  of maximum

radiation  output   permitted  by  the   design  or  operating  characteristics  of    the  radiation machine.

(3)    Operation of a hand-held portable x-ray system shall comply with the general requirements of R 325.5376, excluding subrules (3) and (6).

(4)   Protective shielding of at least 0.5 millimeter lead equivalence shall be provided for the operator to protect the operator's torso,  hands,  face, and gonads from backscattered radiation. If the protective shielding is a backscatter shield attached to the unit, the shield shall be positioned as close to the patient as possible and the operator shall take care to remain in a protective position.

(5)   Each operator shall complete the training program supplied by the manufacturer and approved by the department prior to using the x-ray unit. Records of the training shall be maintained on file for examination  by the department.

(6)   Hand-held dental x-ray systems shall not be used for routine dental radiography in dental offices. This equipment shall only be used for portable use including use in nursing homes, home health care, or for use on special needs patients.

History: 2007 AACS.