X-ray vision

Dental radiography is ‘an integral part of clinical dentistry, with some form of radiographic examination necessary on the majority of patients'. Whaites (2005, p. 3). As a dental care professional, we are regularly involved in part of the radiographic process – whether it is developing the film, exposing the patient or writing up the record of exposure. Since continuing professional development (CPD) first became part of our standards, the General Dental Council (GDC) has required all qualified staff to undertake radiography and radiation protection as a core mandatory subject. It is recommended that you carry out five hours over the five-year cycle (GDC, 2013, p.14). For those DCPs with the postcertificate in dental radiography, they have to include IR(ME)R 2000 within the updates – the same number of hours are compulsory. This article aims to discuss the role of an appropriate quality assurance programme, how this is developed and why regular auditing is vital to excellent clinical practice.