Dental X-ray Providers

The Radiologic Health Branch conducts inspections of X-Ray machines used by dental providers on average every 5 years. Some providers may be selected for a remote inspection. Specific guidance will be included in the mailer from our vendor, DIQUAD, for how to complete the inspection. 

General Requirements

• All areas or rooms with a permanently installed X-ray machine must be posted “Caution X-Ray” at the entrances. (Tit. 17, Cal. Code Regs (17 CCR) sec. 30305(c).)
• Staff must be provided any emergency safety procedures related to the X-Ray machines the utilize. (17 CCR 30255.)
• The dental provider shall assure that all persons under his or her jurisdiction that are operating or supervising the operation of X-ray equipment for purposes of radiologic technology, as defined in section 30400, comply with the Radiologic Technology Act (RT Act) (Health & Safety Code section 27) and the regulations adopted pursuant to the RT Act. 
• Individual operators of X-Ray equipment under the supervision of a licensed dentist who are performing oral radiography must meet the requirements specified in Section 1656 of the Business and Professions Code. Staff radiation safety training documentation for dental assistant staff must be available for inspection.
• Additional requirements for use of handheld X-Ray machines is available in this document Exemption for Hand-held Portable X-ray Systems (PDF).
• The dental provider must develop and implement a radiation protection program commensurate with the use of the X-Ray machines in the possession. If you have a copy of the Califor​nia Dental Association's "Radiation Safety in Dental Prac​tice Guide,"​ the document may be used to meet this requirement.

Other Resources