What are the three basic rules of radiation safety?
If you are beginning a career in dental assisting, knowing radiation safety is not only essential—it is required. Dental X-rays are a routine aspect of patient treatment, and the knowledge to be able to assist with radiographic procedures safely is a skill you will employ on a daily basis. So, how do you know you are protecting yourself and your patients?
Compliance with the three basic principles of safe radiation is one of the early key steps towards responsible dental assisting. At Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting, we provide our students with classroom instruction and on-the-job training to prepare them to understand the science, regulations, and current best practices behind radiation protection. If you are wondering, “What are the three basic rules of radiation safety?” speak with our team today.
Why Radiation Safety in Dental Assisting Is Important
Radiation is a useful diagnostic tool in dentistry, but even small quantities must be handled with care. While dental radiographs utilize low levels of radiation, repeated or careless exposure will lead to long-term injury. Your role as a dental assistant is not just to use or assist with radiographs, but also to ensure that patients, other staff members, and you receive protection against unnecessary exposure.
Radiation protection is based on the ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable. The principle is that all reasonable actions should be taken to reduce exposure without losing diagnostic quality. With the three basic rules of time, distance, and shielding, you can restrict risk without compromising good patient care.
Three Fundamental Rules of Radiation Safety
Knowing and using the three basic rules of radiation safety is key to ensuring everyone’s safety.
Time
Reduce the time of radiation exposure. As a dental assistant, you should ensure that exposure is only possible when necessary and that all equipment is in good working condition to avoid the need for retakes. Quick, accurate work under proper training reduces the period you or a patient have to spend being exposed.
Distance
Maintain a safe distance from the source. Doubling the distance between you and the X-ray beam will cut your exposure considerably. Six feet or more from the source, and at a 90 to 135 degree angle from the beam, is the recommendation of most safety standards.
Shielding
Wear protective gear and barriers. Aprons and thyroid collars protect patients, and walls or protective screens protect workers. Never remain in the operatory during exposure if you do not have to, and always wear protective barriers if you cannot exit the room.
These basic guidelines are easy to recall but need to be practiced on an ongoing basis. At Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting, we integrate radiation safety procedures into all relevant coursework and laboratory situations, so you feel comfortable and develop habits that promote safety for everyone in the clinic.
Real-World Application for Dental Assisting Students
Radiation safety is not something learned in theory—it is practiced every day. You learn about patient positioning and selection of settings, and how to use digital imaging systems that reduce exposure on modern radiographic equipment under guidance from our instructors. You also learn federal and state regulations, record-keeping, and equipment failure procedures.
Being prepared also involves knowing what to do in case something does not go as planned. In the case of a pregnant patient or a patient who is worried about exposure, you will be able to explain safety measures confidently. In case an X-ray image is unreadable, you will know how to make an adjustment that will avoid redundant retakes.
Those skills do not just protect you—they also make you a valuable asset to any dental practice.
Learn More About the Three Basic Rules of Radiation Safety – Meet With Us
One of the premises of effective dental assisting is radiation safety. If you are aware of and follow the three basic rules of radiation safety—time, distance, and shielding—you are creating a safer environment for everyone.
Are you ready to find out about radiation safety and get started with your dental assisting career? Contact Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting to learn more about our programs and how we prepare students for success in a professional, hands-on educational environment.
