Dental X-ray machine radiation danger alert

In a recent investigation, Dentists are being warned against using a hand-held X-ray machine on patients as tests show significant health risks to patients and dental staff.

The hand held device know as 'Tianjie Dental Falcon', is a far cheaper option for practices than more common x-ray machines but this does not necessarily mean they are the safest option out there. In fact, these machines have shown to expose staff and their patients to far greater levels of radiation and have become a severe health risk.

Since they were tested by the Health Protection Agency, it was found that the machines were releasing high levels of radiation as they did not provide any shield to protect patients and staff during their use. Further tests show that the X-ray beam was not specific to the patient's mouth and could cause head and brain exposure.

Further to the BBC's website, they discovered the machines are also a dangerous electrical hazard. As they are supplied with a European plug and a travel adapter this could cause a fire or a serious electric shock (50,000 volts) to the dentist or patients.

NHS and private dentists are now being asked by The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency to dispose of these devices as soon as possible.

For advice you can now contact MHRA's hotline on 020 3080 6701 or counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.

We will now ask a specific question when acting on the purchase of a dental practice as part of the due diligence process whether such hand held machines have been used in the Practice.

A dentist buying any dental practice should check and beware !

Edwin Ross

Ross Legal LLP

Partner

Tel; 0161 720 7200