California Dental Offices Must Maintain a Written Radiation Protection Program

In California, any dental office that operates x-ray equipment is required by the Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) of the California Department of Public Health to maintain a written radiation protection program (RPP). This document outlines how a dental office protects patients and dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) from exposure to ionizing radiation from x-rays.

What Your Written Program Should Include

A compliant RPP should cover:

• Identified x-ray hazards in the office
• Control measures and safe operating procedures
• Staff training requirements
• X-ray dosimetry monitoring
• Emergency procedures
• An annual review and update

Inspectors routinely ask to see an office’s RPP during x-ray inspections, conducted every five years for dental offices, so it must be current and readily accessible.

 Why It Matters

A written effective RPP supports the ALARA principle, or as low as reasonably achievable, to ensure consistent, safe imaging practices. It also demonstrates compliance with California laws and helps dental offices stay aligned on safe x-ray procedures.

If your office hasn’t reviewed or updated its RPP this year, now is a good time to do so.

For our OSHA Review subscribers… a radiation protection plan template form can be downloaded from our website.

OSHA Review, Inc. a registered continuing education provider in the State of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and Cal/OSHA training. OSHA Review subscribers in California receive updated regulatory compliance and infection control training thorough our bi-monthly newsletter.

OSHA Review, Inc. provides Dosimety Monitoring Services.