Dental X-ray testing
Our radiation testing services
Our company has been undertaking radiation testing for dentists for over 17 years. We use the most modern testing equipment and can test all the dental x-ray machines shown below.
We'll proactively remind you when tests are due and store copies of your test results and certificates over the long term. We offer free, ongoing advice to existing customers, so if you or your team have questions, we are here to help. As well as excellent, responsive service, our prices are the most competitive on the market.
Intraoral
Hand-held
Panoramic
OPT with CEPH
What tests do I need and when?
Critical examination and acceptance testing
When?
On installation and following relocation or significant modification/repairBy who?
Radiation QA Services on behalf of installerDetails
The installer is responsible for ensuring that a critical examination is carried out by either themselves or a third party tester. The engineer or dental practice can contact us to complete the critical examination on their behalf.
Working alongside our RPA we are able to provide critical examinations and acceptance tests for newly installed or modified X-ray equipment (i.e. following relocation or a major maintenance procedure such as replacement of the tube). This ensures that the safety and warning features are operating correctly and that the installation (i.e. room layout) provides adequate protection for both staff and patients from ionising radiation prior to the equipment entering clinical use. The acceptance test also checks the radiation output along with other parameters to ensure the set is performing correctly and is capable of adequate restriction to patient dose.
Radiation QA Services will make a full assessment of your x-ray equipment in line with the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-Ray Equipment. This will be carefully reviewed by our own RPA/MPE team and a full report along with the RPA comments and a certificate valid for 3 years will be promptly issued. We pride ourselves on a timely turnaround so there is no long waits for paperwork and unnecessary delays preventing use of the equipment.
Routine testing
When?
Every 3 years for Intra-oral, Panoramic (OPG) and Cephalometric X-ray sets and annually for handheld X-ray setsBy who?
Radiation QA ServicesDetails
Dental practices must ensure that a routine test of X-ray equipment is undertaken at least once every three years for intraoral, panoramic and panoramic/ceph X-ray sets, and annually for hand-held dental x-ray equipment or for any X-ray set where the MPE (Medical Physics Expert) recommends more frequent testing is necessary.
Radiation QA Services will make a full assessment of your x-ray equipment in line with the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-Ray Equipment.
This will include checking the safety and warning features are operating correctly, an assessment of representative patient dose, checking the accuracy of the operating parameters.
We’ll provide you with a full report and a certificate valid for 3 years. All will be issued promptly and we'll keep a digital copy in case of future need should you lose or misplace your documents.
Reports should always be forwarded to the practice's own RPA/MPE for their comments.
RPA services
Radiation Protection Advisor Services are provided by our independent Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) partner.
Your RPA is a longstanding family business with whom we work closely. They provide a personal tailored service to those using radiation equipment in the dental industry. The team are professional and attentive and offer a competitively-priced service.
They will issue you with a Radiation Protection File and answer any queries providing you with the support needed to help you comply with both IRR17 and IRMER17 for working with ionising radiation.
Patient doses should be reviewed regularly with assistance from the RPA/MPE. This should happen whenever a routine performance test is carried out for an X-ray set and whenever new equipment is installed, which could be a new X-ray set or a new imaging system, such as changing from film to a digital system. Working in conjunction with our RPA/MPE this is something we can do following a routine test or you can send our report to your own dedicated RPA/MPE for review.
Servicing
Most manufacturers recommend an annual service/maintenance check of X-ray sets. Here at Radiation QA Services, we work with a great team of people so should you require a contact for servicing, maintenance or new equipment please let us know and we can put you in touch with the right people.
Why choose Radiation QA Services?
We provide the highest standard of radiation protection services to dentists across the UK. Because we specialise in dental equipment, you can be confident that we know our stuff.
On site visits always include a full audit report. On-going support and advice is available to existing clients via email or telephone. Your reports and certificates are stored digitally with us, so there is no panic if you find that you have misplaced your documents, we can email them over to you promptly.
Because we come to you, we can answer any questions immediately. For example: if you are considering switching to digital imaging, or buying new equipment, we can offer impartial, professional advice which could save you time and money.
Radiation QA Services are no longer subject to VAT, saving you money where it matters.