Dental Radiology (X-ray) Safety & QA Checklist #33

This comprehensive dental radiology checklist supports safe operation and QA of dental X-ray systems using ALARA principles and applicable federal/state requirements. Designed for dental practices to verify shielding, operator practices, equipment checks, and recordkeeping for inspections.

Industry: Healthcare
Frequency: Monthly
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Role: Radiology Safety Officer / Dental Practice Manager
Total Items: 35
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1096 Ionizing Radiation (where applicable), FDA 21 CFR 1020.30 Dental X-Ray Systems, NCRP Report No. 145 (Dental Radiography), State Dental Board Radiology Requirements, ALARA Principle (Radiation Protection)

Hand Hygiene & PPE Compliance

Verify hand hygiene and PPE practices aligned with CDC dental infection control guidance and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Handwashing stations stocked with soap and disposable towels?
Alcohol-based hand rub (60–95%) available at point of care?
PPE stock level status
Eye/face protection used for splash/aerosol procedures?
Photo of PPE/hand hygiene station

Instrument Transport, Cleaning & Packaging

Confirm safe transport, cleaning verification, and packaging practices per OSHA BBP requirements and manufacturer instructions for use (IFU).

Contaminated instruments transported in closable, puncture-resistant containers?
Gross debris removed promptly before processing (per IFU)?
Ultrasonic cleaner cavitation test performed (if used)?
Instrument cleaning observations/notes
Photo of instrument processing workflow area

Sterilization Cycle Monitoring

Verify sterilizer cycle selection and parameter monitoring (time/temperature/pressure) per equipment IFU and documented validation.

Correct sterilization cycle selected for load type?
Autoclave temperature reading
Autoclave pressure (PSI)
External chemical indicator shows acceptable change?
Photo of sterilizer printout or cycle log

Biological Monitoring & Recall Readiness

Ensure biological monitoring is performed and documented, with clear recall actions when sterilization assurance fails.

Weekly biological indicator (spore) test completed for each sterilizer?
Most recent spore test result
Quarantine/recall procedure followed when indicators fail?
Spore test log complete and retained per policy?
Photo of BI test record/indicator

Environmental Surface Disinfection

Validate cleaning and disinfection of clinical contact surfaces between patients with evidence and label-compliant contact times.

EPA-registered hospital disinfectant available and in date?
Disinfectant contact time observed (surface remains wet)?
Barrier controls used on hard-to-clean surfaces and changed between patients?
Operatory turnover time (minutes)
Photo of disinfected operatory ready for next patient

Dental Unit Waterlines & Suction Systems

Confirm dental water quality monitoring and suction line maintenance to reduce microbial contamination and exposure risk.

Dental unit waterline treatment protocol active per manufacturer?
Most recent DUWL test result (CFU/mL)
Suction lines cleaned/disinfected per schedule?
Waterline/suction notes
Photo of waterline treatment supplies/log

Sharps, Waste & Exposure Control

Verify sharps safety, regulated waste management, Exposure Control Plan upkeep, and required OSHA BBP training.

Sharps containers present, labeled, and below fill line?
Regulated waste segregated and stored in labeled containers?
Exposure Control Plan reviewed/updated within past 12 months?
Annual bloodborne pathogens training completed for all staff?
Photo of sharps/waste storage area

Related Healthcare Checklists

Related Dental Practice Checklists

Why Use This Dental Radiology (X-ray) Safety & QA Checklist #33?

This dental radiology (x-ray) safety & qa checklist #33 helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for radiology safety officer / dental practice manager professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1096 Ionizing Radiation (where applicable), FDA 21 CFR 1020.30 Dental X-Ray Systems, NCRP Report No. 145 (Dental Radiography), State Dental Board Radiology Requirements, ALARA Principle (Radiation Protection). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Dental Radiology (X-ray) Safety & QA Checklist #33 cover?

This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 7 sections: Hand Hygiene & PPE Compliance, Instrument Transport, Cleaning & Packaging, Sterilization Cycle Monitoring, Biological Monitoring & Recall Readiness, Environmental Surface Disinfection, Dental Unit Waterlines & Suction Systems, Sharps, Waste & Exposure Control. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this Dental Radiology (X-ray) Safety & QA Checklist #33?

This checklist is designed for Radiology Safety Officer / Dental Practice Manager professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.