South African legislation for radiation control in dentistry: a review.

The objective of this study is to provide South African dentists with a sound knowledge of radiation safety together with accepted policy and some recommendations to protect individuals who may be exposed to ionizing radiation from dental X-ray equipment. The Directorate of Radiation Control of the Department of Health of South Africa was approached to provide information pertaining to radiation control in dentistry. The material was reviewed and applicable information, together with literature on radiation control in other countries, is summarized.