Your dental practice operates under IRMER regulations — the Ionising Radiation Regulations that govern how X-ray equipment is used, maintained, and monitored. Here's what that means for your safety.
Dental X-rays are a routine and incredibly useful diagnostic tool. But X-rays involve ionising radiation, which is why they're tightly regulated. IRMER is the set of regulations that governs your safety when X-rays are taken.
What Is IRMER?
IRMER stands for the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations. These are the specific regulations that govern how dental X-ray equipment is used in the UK. They cover every aspect of an X-ray exposure — from the referral and justification, to the actual taking of the image, to the review and reporting of results.
IRMER applies to all dental practices that take X-rays, whether they're intra-oral (bitewing, periapical), panoramic (OPG), or cone-beam CT scans.
Who Is Responsible Under IRMER?
IRMER defines several key roles. The employer — your dental practice — is ultimately responsible for ensuring the regulations are followed. There must also be a radiation protection supervisor, an IRMER practitioner (the person who justifies why an X-ray is needed), and an operator (the person who actually takes the X-ray).
Each person has specific duties, and all must be trained and named in the practice's written procedures.
Why Does Your Dentist Need to Justify an X-Ray?
Before any X-ray is taken, it must be clinically justified. This means the dentist has to decide that the benefits of the X-ray outweigh the risks. They can't just take routine X-rays without thinking — IRMER requires a specific reason for each exposure.
This is called the Justification principle. It's there to make sure you're not exposed to unnecessary radiation.
What Safety Measures Does IRMER Require?
Several. The X-ray equipment must be regularly maintained and tested. The room where X-rays are taken must be adequately shielded. Staff operating the equipment must be properly trained and wear dosimeters — badges that measure their radiation exposure over time.
There are also strict rules about the dose of radiation used. Modern digital X-ray equipment uses much lower doses than older film-based systems.
What About Pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or think you might be, always tell your dentist before an X-ray. While dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation, IRMER requires extra consideration for pregnant patients. The dentist will discuss whether the X-ray can wait, or whether it is truly necessary right now.
It is always better to mention pregnancy before any X-ray is taken, even if you're not certain.
How Does This Keep You Safe?
IRMER creates a framework of accountability and safety checks around every dental X-ray. Your dentist has to think carefully before taking one. The equipment is regularly checked. Staff are trained and monitored. Everything is documented.
You can ask your dental team about their X-ray procedures and IRMER compliance at any time. They'll be happy to explain.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.comMeads Village Dental Practice