T​he Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP(UK))’s Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography, the leading text on indications for radiographic investigation in dentistry, has been updated following the implementation of revised regulations on the use of ionising radiation.

The changes are reflected in both the free online version of the guidance and the printed book (available at www.fgdp.org.uk/shop).

The update to the third edition takes into account the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17), which took effect on 1 January 2018, and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IRMER17), which came into effect on 6 February 2018. IRR17 supersedes IRR99, and IRMER17 has replaced both the original IRMER 2000 and the amendments from 2006 and 2011. Both apply in England, Scotland and Wales; dentists in Northern Ireland should continue to comply with the existing local regulations.

The update has been carried out by Professor Keith Horner, Co-Editor of the third edition, who has previously published an analysis of the implications of the revised regulations for dentists and dental practice teams.

One key change of immediate relevance is that employers are now required to register dental practices with the Health and Safety Executive if they use radiographic equipment. Applications for registration must be made online, incur a one-off fee of £25, and should have been made by 5 February. The FGDP(UK) is advising any employers yet to register their practice(s) to do so immediately.

Professor Horner has recently been appointed an Honorary Fellow of FGDP(UK) for his service to the profession over many years. The award will be conferred at the FGDP(UK) Diplomates Day in London on Monday 12 March.

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