Exposure to a hazardous physical agent (X-rays) may induce cancer, cause genetic damage, tissue damage or — in unborn children — developmental defects. The same can be said of external gamma radiation exposure and/or internal alpha/beta particle radiation exposure from the inhalation/ingestion of NORM).

In Ontario, all dental X-ray machines must be registered by the owner and new installations must be approved by the Director of X-ray Safety with the X-ray Inspection Service (XRIS) of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Plan approval ensures both patient and staff safety from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Dentists require written approval from XRIS before installing a new dental X-ray machine, replacing an existing one or making changes to the installation. Dentists must submit a plan of the dental office layout, accompanied by additional forms and information.

Our in-house X-ray Safety Officers (XSO) will indicate on the schematic plan and also describe on the application forms the specific location and the exact amount of shielding requirements for approval by XRIS.