Pediatric phantom dosimetry using a hand-held portable dental radiology device

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the radiation dose of the NOMAD Pro 2 device for different anatomical areas using a pediatric phantom. Methods: Absorbed doses resulting from a maxillary anterior occlusal and bitewing projections of an anthropomorphic 10-year-old child phantom were acquired using optical stimulated dosimetry. Equivalent doses were calculated for radiosensitive tissues in the head and neck area, and effective dose for maxillary anterior occlusal and bitewing examinations were calculated following the 2007 recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). In addition, the effective dose of backscatter radiation to the operator was recorded. Results: Of the anterior occlusal scans, the salivary glands had the highest equivalent dose, followed by oral mucosa extra thoracic airway and thyroid gland. For the bitewing projection scan, the salivary glands had the highest equivalent dose followed closely by the oral mucosa. The operator had minimal recorded dose. Conclusion: Compared to previous research, completed with the adult phantom, a child receives less radiation for bitewing and anterior occlusal projections using a hand-held portable device than when a traditional wall mounted device is utilized.