Radiation Health & SafetyQuestion 1 of 100
A dental assistant is asked to explain the ALARA concept to a new hire. Which statement best describes ALARA?
a.Radiation exposure is safe as long as it stays under the annual legal limit
b.Only the patient's exposure must be minimized, not the operator's
c.Every reasonable step should be taken to keep exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable
d.Exposure may be increased if it produces a sharper image
Explanation
ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, meaning exposure to patients and staff should be reduced to the lowest practical level even when legal limits are not exceeded. Staying under a legal limit is a minimum requirement, not the goal, so the first option is wrong. ALARA protects both patients and operators, and image quality is achieved through correct technique rather than extra radiation.
Law Reference: NCRP Report No. 145: Radiation Protection in DentistryPractice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
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- The dentist asks the assistant to increase the penetrating power of the x-ray beam for a patient with dense bone. Which exposure factor should be adjusted?
- Which pair of settings together determines the QUANTITY (number of photons) of radiation produced during an exposure?
- A practice replaces its round position-indicating devices with rectangular collimation. What is the main benefit to the patient?
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