SADA communique to members - Licence and quality control tests for dental diagnostic X-ray imaging systems

Members have been receiving notification from Inspection Bodies about their X-ray equipment being due for inspection. On enquiry, it has been discovered that, in some instances, this notice was based on erroneous data that Inspection bodies may have received from the Radiation Control, who had not correctly updated their records, due to "a lack of manpower". SADA strongly advises members who receive this notification to check their documentation before booking said inspections and, if the notification is incorrect, to request their usual inspection body to correct their records. SADA has serious concerns about the current legal framework and enforcement of the Act governing X-ray equipment. It questions the Code of Practice and more particularly, the legal standing of inspection bodies, licensing delays and the entire legislative framework. To this end, SADA has made an extensive written submission to the Minister of Health raising our concerns. In the meantime, as the legislative framework applies to practitioner, in its flawed framework, we provide members useful information for the benefit of members around the whole issue of licensing and testing of X-ray equipment so that members are properly informed when receiving notices of inspections or having to licence their new or used X-ray equipment.