AN EVALUATION OF RADIOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES IN 300 DENTAL OFFICES IN THE UNITED-STATES

As part of the development and testing of a dental practice quality assessment instrument, data were gathered regarding the radiological practices of a nationwide sample of 300 general dentistry offices. The distribution of assessment scores was compared for practice size (solo versus nonsolo) and practice age (1-19 years versus 20 or more years). Practice habits varied widely, from a high of 99% of the offices using a leaded apron to a low of 23% of the offices having a written policy regarding the use of ionizing radiation. Most offices successfully managed administrative items such as mounting and dating radiographs. However, for items such as radiographic exposure, tissue coverage, and radiographic interpretation, general performance was fair.