A protective cover that surrounds the hous- ing is also available for the Nomad, which can guard it somewhat from the occasional daily bumps in the office. This unit is manu- factured in America and weighs 6 pounds with a 60 mm round x-ray field,3


which is the


same standard size opening as a typical wall- mounted x-ray unit.


THE DIGITAL DOC UNIT: XTG MINIX-S


has an internal battery and does not require a separately charged handset. Manufactured in South Korea, Vatech does not repair these units and will overnight a new device to the dental office if the portable becomes non-operational. Vatech states that 1,000 exposures are possible on a full battery before charging is needed.6


The battery in the device


can also be replaced on site. This unit weighs 4.7 pounds with a 60 mm round x-ray field.


Figure 4, Image property of Dexis


guidelines recommend all users wear aprons during operation.2


It should be noted that


new shielding recommendations from the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology do not require any patient shield- ing, regardless of age.7,8


Figure 2


Manufactured by DigiMed Co., this handheld device resembles a large camera with a zoom lens (Figure 2). A neck strap is provided with the unit to ensure the operator does not drop it and to secure the apparatus between images easily. An advantage to the Digital Doc portable is that arm fatigue is minimized because two hands are used for operation. There is a handle present on the right side of the device near the exposure button for a secure hold. The battery is contained within the unit, so the charging cord is plugged directly into the side of the base. This manu- facturer states that approximately 150-200 exposures can be made on a fully charged battery; the lifespan of a battery is about two years, which can be replaced on site.5


The


Digital Doc device is manufactured in South Korea and weighs 3.9 pounds with a 53 mm round imaging x-ray field.5


THE VATECH UNIT: VEX P300/EZRAY AIR PORTABLE


The Vatech portable dental x-ray device is similar in style to the Dexis Nomad unit and came to the market in 2020 (Figure 3). Many practices that purchase Vatech cone beam CT units will also find themselves new owners of a handheld unit. Instead of the top-mounted control panel, the selections for patient size and exposure time are set using a dial-style system on the end of the device that faces the user. Similar to the Digital Doc XTG, it


26 focus | FALL 2025 | ISSUE 3 Figure 3 RADIATION SAFETY & DOSIMETRY


The National Council on Radiation Pro- tection and Measurements (NCRP) is the organization that provides recommendations for all x-ray machine usage, including dental devices. Approved handheld dental units are considered very safe for patients and the operator in the dental setting. According to NCRP Report No. 177, the operator does not need to wear a lead apron when using handheld x-ray units due to the backscat- ter shield providing sufficient protection.1 The minimum requirement for the acrylic shield is 0.25 mm Pb equivalent;1


the devices


discussed in this article have 0.5 mm Pb equivalent for the operator’s protection.


The manufacturers recommend that dental offices follow state guidelines for shielding the equipment user but that generally the op- erator does not need to wear a lead apron if proper technique is utilized; the user should stand directly behind the backscatter shield with elbows tucked in and the device held away from the body in the protection zone.3-6 The backscatter protection zone is approxi- mately 2 feet wide X 6 feet high (Figure 4). 3


The NCRP and manufacturers recommend that pregnant workers wear an apron for optimal protection; however, the MRCP


Personnel dosimetry when using these devices is recommended by the NCRP and MRCP.1,2,9


Due to the low radiation output


in dentistry x-ray devices, many offices in Missouri do not have dosimetry programs in place. If a worker is likely to be exposed to an excess of 100 mrem (1 mSv) in one year, then dosimetry is recommended.1


offices with handheld x-ray devices utilize a dosimetry program for one year; if no read- ings are detected, the monitoring program may be discontinued.1,9


Both the ADA and


NCRP recommend that all pregnant users notify their employer as soon as they become aware of the pregnancy and that they wear an x-ray dosimetry badge throughout the pregnancy.1,10


All new portable dental x-ray equipment purchased in Missouri must be surveyed within 90 days by a qualified expert. If the unit is transferred to another site, it must be reported to the MRCP and surveyed at the new location as well.


SUMMARY


Users of portable dental x-ray equipment can expect the same image quality as wall- mounted unit radiographs. They are easily utilized between several operatories and can increase efficiency and workflow in busy practices. Pediatric or anxious patients may feel safer with the dental operator in the room while they are being imaged; the operator can also be assured that the patient


It is advised that


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