Latin American Countries' Regulations On Requirements Of The Installation Site, X-Ray Generating Equipment, Occupationally Exposed Worker And Radiological Protection In Dentistry

The purpose of the present study is to analyze regulations of Latin American countries regarding the requirements of the installation site, X-ray generating equipment, occupationally exposed worker, and radiological protection in dentistry. AGoogle search of the Regulatory Authority´s website of each country was performed,and then the “snowball” sampling technique was carried out. The information was organized in tables according to four categories of analysis.A total of 138 regulations corresponding to 18 countries were analyzed. The regulations of Mexico, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua are clear, precise, and complete because: a) they divide the requirements of the medical and dental areas, b) they detail the information they request, c) they include requirements established in the norms and recommendations of international bodies. In conclusion, in orderfor the applicant and the holder of the authorization of the installationto have a better understanding of the regulations, thesemust be clear, precise, and complete. In addition, they must contain a chapter with specific requirements for each type of X-ray generating equipment used in dentistry. Finally, they must incorporate requirements on the collaboration of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist Specialist, the radiographic diagnosis, and the disposal of liquids used in the development process.