X-ray Facilities/Darkroom
Regardless on which wall the x-ray machines are
placed, make sure that the equipment and chair
are positioned to allow ease of access to both left
and right sides of the mouth. It is important to
check with dental suppliers to determine the
inner wall support necessary for intraoral radiographic
machine mounting. During full extension
of the arms of the machine, the weight of
the tube head can put significant torque onto the
mounting plate and wall supports. Many offices
plan for a panographic radiographic machine
even if they do not currently have one. The
designer or architect needs to know about anticipated
expansion plans in order to allow for
appropriate wiring.
Architects will begin to consider a central x-ray
area if the office has approximately six or more
treatment rooms. Separate special function areas
like an x-ray room, are usually not recommended
for the average solo practice as they are not cost
effective. However, panographic equipment
located near the reception area could be accommodated
in a space as small as 5' x 5'.
If a central radiographic area is indicated, it is
important to place enough distance between the
machines for both ease of operation and for
compliance with radiation safety requirements.
Check these requirements carefully with the
manufacturer and/or local building authorities.
Be sure to also check state or city radiation laws
to determine if special construction is required.
If there are no specific requirements, it may still
be advisable to use 5/8 inch sheetrock in the
walls rather than 1/2 inch thick material.
Darkroom facilities are often designed to be near
the central radiographic area. Generally, a room
of 4'x 5' is considered adequate for a darkroom.
The architect will need to make modifications in
this area based on the dentist’s preference for
processing equipment.
If an automatic processor is planned, it is important
to have a sink nearby that is 10 to 12 inches
deep to allow for maintenance and cleaning of
the processor rollers. Check with local codes for
any special modifications necessary in plumbing
or installation of this equipment and ask the
manufacturer for specifications. The equipment’s
specifications instruct the architect in how to
correctly provide plumbing, electrical requirements,
framing to house the equipment, and
capacity. It may also be helpful to have a floor
drain in the darkroom in case of an overflow.
Today, many dental offices make use of digital
radiography. According to dental office design
experts this new technology has many features
such as: quicker image acquisition; improved
image reproduction; lower x-ray dosages; patient
education; less environmental impact; improved
archival methods; and the elimination of a darkroom!
Dentists perceive digital radiography as
being quite costly, but according to users, the
investment pays off.