The law and who can expose dental radiographs

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which u ntrained, unlicensed, and unregulated auxiliary dental personnel are permit ted by law to expose radiographs. Study design. A survey questionnaire was mailed to the agencies regulating dental practice of the 50 US and 3 regional jurisdictions. Information was requested regarding agency laws regulating who was permitted to prescribe d ental radiographs, who was permitted tu expose dental radiographs, and who, if anyone, was specifically prohibited. Results. Survey data show that 47.3% of the US population live in jurisdict ions thai have no regulations prohibiting untrained, unregulated auxiliary denial personnel from exposing patients to ionizing radiation. Conclusions, The clinical implications for private dental practice in this era of expanding use of auxiliary personnel are that the need exists for in creased training and formal licensing of all auxiliary personnel involved i n dental radiography.