PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

The aims of this study are to estimate the equivalent dose to the skin, eyes and thyroid in intra- and extra-oral imaging examination and to compare the dose-area product (DAP) derived from the calculation method with Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) that has been provided by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH). Dose equivalent is measured by placing Thermoluminescence Dosimeter (TLD-100H) in the anthropomorphic RANDO phantom. Exposure is performed using intra-oral X-ray machine ActeonSatelec X-Mind® and extra-oral X-ray machine InstrumentariumOP300®, and the value is compared to the equivalent dose of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) dose limit. DAP value for both examinations was obtained by using formula and comparing them with the DRL from MOH. The average dose equivalent of intra- and extra-oral radiographic examination is lower than the ICRP dose limit. The doses derived from both examinations did not exceed the prescribed levels when compared with DRL. The doses calculated for intra-oral examination of molar maxillary, molar mandibular and interproximal (bitewing) was 0.880 mGy while periapical examination of the anterior maxillary and mandibular was 0.688 mGy and occlusal examination was 1.100 mGy. For the panoramic examination the dose was 0.011 mGy.m² while lateral cephalometric examination was 0.0054 mGy.m². The doses obtained from this study were within the dose limit and predetermined level. This shows that a patient receives the minimum dose for both dental radiographic examinations with the optimum level of safety which meets the ALARA concept.