Cosmetic dentistry patients and other people getting treatment on their teeth are to be protected when using new scanning technology by new guidance issued today (November 8th 2010).
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology is now being used in a variety of ways to help patients, as it delivers a higher dose of radiation than X-rays and so provides better detail.
However, there have been concerns that it may not be used properly, so the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published new guidance for dentists to ensure that patients and those utilizing it are safe.
Dr John Cooper, a spokesperson for the HPA, said: "I am sure that the detailed and thorough work undertaken and published today will play an important role in ensuring that doses to patients are effectively controlled."
Today marks the 115th anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German scientist who found them by accident when experimenting with vacuum tubes.
