Development of a novel mouth model as an alternative tool to test the effectiveness of an in vivo EPR dosimetry system.

In a large-scale radiation event, thousands may be exposed to unknown amounts of radiation, some of which may be life-threatening without immediate attention. In such situations, a method to quickly and reliably estimate dose would help medical responders triage victims to receive life-saving care. We developed such a method using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to make in vivo measurements of the maxillary incisors. This report provides evidence that the use of in vitro studies can provide data that are fully representative of the measurements made in vivo. This is necessary because, in order to systematically test and improve the reliability and accuracy of the dose estimates made with our EPR dosimetry system, it is important to conduct controlled studies in vitro using irradiated human teeth. Therefore, it is imperative to validate whether our in vitro models adequately simulate the measurements made in vivo, which are intended to help guide decisions on triage after a radiation event. Using a healthy volunteer with a dentition gap that allows using a partial denture, human teeth were serially irradiated in vitro and then, using a partial denture, placed in the volunteer's mouth for measurements. We compared dose estimates made using in vivo measurements made in the volunteer's mouth to measurements made on the same teeth in our complex mouth model that simulates electromagnetic and anatomic properties of the mouth. Our results demonstrate that this mouth model can be used in in vitro studies to develop the system because these measurements appropriately model in vivo conditions.

Evolution and Optimization of Tooth Models for Testing In Vivo EPR Tooth Dosimetry.

Testing and verification are an integral part of any cycle to design, manufacture and improve a novel device intended for use in humans. In the case of testing Dartmouth's electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in vivo tooth dosimetry device, in vitro studies are needed throughout its development to test its performance, i.e. to verify its current capability for assessing dose in individuals potentially exposed to ionizing radiation. Since the EPR device uses the enamel of human teeth to assess dose, models that include human teeth have been an integral mechanism to carry out in vitro studies during development and testing its ability to meet performance standards for its ultimate intended in vivo use. As the instrument improves over time, new demands for in vitro studies change as well. This paper describes the tooth models used to perform in vitro studies and their evolution to meet the changing demands for testing in vivo EPR tooth dosimetry.