ABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to provide South African dentists with a sound knowledge of radiation safety together with accepted policy and some recommendations to protect individuals who may be exposed to ionizing radiation from dental X-ray equipment. The Directorate of Radiation Control of the Department of Health of South Africa was approached to provide information pertaining to radiation control in dentistry. The material was reviewed and applicable information, together with literature on radiation control in other countries, is summarized.
Subject(s)
Radiography, Dental , Radiology/legislation & jurisprudence , DNA Damage , Government Regulation , Humans , Legislation as Topic , Occupational Exposure , Radiation Dosage , Radiation Injuries/prevention & control , Radiography, Dental/instrumentation , South AfricaABSTRACT
Radiography is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools used in comprehensive dental care. Although it is generally accepted that there is no safe level of radiation exposure, the possible risk involved with exposure to X-rays must be weighed against the benefits of clinical interpretation. One important step in limiting the risk of radiation exposure at the workplace is the correct design of an X-ray room. A dentist or dental therapist, who is the license holder of the radiation equipment, is ultimately responsible for the radiation safety at the workplace. The aim of this article is to provide dental practitioners with guidelines and recommendations on X-ray room designs in order to facilitate radiation control and safe working conditions for radiation workers as well as the public.
Subject(s)
Dental Offices , Facility Design and Construction , Radiography, Dental , Humans , Radiation ProtectionABSTRACT
The value of bioelectrical impedance (BI) as an index of body composition was assessed in 32 patients with gastric carcinoma, 20 with advanced disease. Bioelectrical impedance was compared with standard nutritional parameters: weight, body mass index (BMI), albumin, transferrin and triceps skinfold thickness. There was no correlation between BI and these parameters with the exception of weight and BMI in the male patients. Clinical assessment of nutrition on the other hand correlated well with the standard parameters. Although BI may be a useful adjunct to the routine assessment of nutritional status in normal subjects, its use in clinical patients should be treated with caution, particularly in those with advanced gastrointestinal malignancy.