The CDSA is the Program Administrator, as per the legislation and regulations set by Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.
In the Province of Alberta dental X-ray equipment and facilities, as well as dental lasers are governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Code. These documents specify that owners and staff have certain obligations to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their patients and the public.
Any regulated member of the CDSA that owns designated radiation equipment must register with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta.
The owner is responsible for:
- Proper installation of equipment
- Registration and compliance verification/inspection. Registration is required in the following situations:
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- Installation of equipment or dental laser in a new or existing dental facility regardless of how the equipment or dental laser was obtained (purchased, leased, gifted) or how old the equipment is (new or resale).
- Relocation within the facility or to another facility.
- Modification of the characteristics of the radiation emitted from the equipment or dental laser, or the protective properties of the facility. Note that shielding calculations are based in part on the occupancy of adjacent rooms. If a facility is redesigned and the walls are not altered but the occupancy changes (i.e. storage room becomes waiting room), registration of the equipment is still required.
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- Operation and maintenance of the equipment
- Education of the operators
- Maintenance of accompanying software or film processing equipment
- Storage of records
- Development of a Code of Practice and a Quality Assurance Program
- Dosimeter monitoring
Dental cone beam CT scanners and computer software are capable of providing three-dimensional diagnostic images of hard tissues with lower radiation dose than medical multi-slice CT scanners, when a comparable anatomical volume is imaged. However, such doses may be higher when compared to conventional dental radiography, including panoramic radiography. Radiation doses are dependent on equipment type, exposure settings and especially the field of view selected.
Cone beam CT scans must not be used as a replacement or substitute for conventional dental radiographic imaging techniques nor used as a routine screening device. Consideration must be given to the use of alternative and conventional imaging techniques. The availability and thoughtful use of conventional imaging devices and techniques, including intra-oral and extra-oral and panoramic tomography, can frequently provide information sufficient to diagnose and guide treatment choices with reduced radiation dosage compared with cone beam CT.
CDSA Policy: Registration of Designated Radiation Equipment
Forms:
Application for Registration of Designated Radiation Equipment
Removal of Registered Equipment
Alberta Government Radiation Health and Safety Information:
Guide for Alberta’s Radiation Protection Program
Resources:
CSA Z386:20 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care
Dosimetry – Health Canada National Dosimetry Services
Dosimetry – OHS Information for Employers and Workers
Health Canada Safety Code 30 Radiation Protection in Dentistry (1999)
Health Canada Safety Code 30 – Radiation Protection in Dentistry (2022)
Laser Warning Signs
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Occupational Health and Safety Code
Radiation Agencies and Inspecting your Equipment
Education Requirements
Radiation Health & Safety Educational Requirements
Cone Beam CT – Small and Medium field of View: 10 centimeter or less Training Courses
University Of Alberta – Cone Beam CT Dentist Certification
University of Toronto – Faculty of Dentistry Courses