As dental technology continues to evolve, dentists starting their first practice, building out a second location, or replacing older equipment have a range of options at their disposal.
Among the many advancements, one that stands out is the rise of handheld X-ray devices as an alternative to the more traditional wall-mounted devices. Both options —mounted and handheld — have pros and cons that should be considered when you’re choosing the right x-ray device type for your practice.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the key considerations, to help guide your decision.
- Flexibility and Mobility
Handheld X-ray Machines:
The foremost advantage of a handheld x-ray machine is its flexibility. Unlike wall-mounted units, handhelds can easily be moved from one operatory to another. This type of mobility is invaluable when you have space constraints that might prevent you from having mounted units in each room. You might also be able to buy fewer total imaging units if a single handheld can be shared by multiple operatories without causing operational bottlenecks.
Wall-mounted X-ray Machines:
Restricted to one fixed location, wall-mounted X-ray devices ensure standardized operations, and they’re certainly a lot harder to lose! But they also require more in-operatory space, which can prove to be a challenge in smaller operatories or practices with a smaller overall footprint. (Not to mention all that hallway congestion whenever operators need to step out of the room to take images.)
- Ease of Use
Handheld X-ray Machines:
Though handhelds typically weigh between 4 and 6 pounds, most models are designed with ergonomics in mind to reduce strain for the operator. The intuitive controls make it easier for dental professionals to operate them, reducing the learning curve significantly. Since they aren’t mounted, operators may be more easily able to get the correct angles for the images they need. Professionals also appreciate the streamlined ability to take images without needing to leave the room between each one.
Mounted X-ray Machines:
Many dental professionals are already accustomed to wall-mounted machines, which can make for more efficient workflows (or at least, potentially less disruption of existing workflows when new equipment is introduced). Still, wall-mounted machines can be cumbersome, requiring precise positioning which can be time-consuming to ensure and occasionally frustrating to achieve.
- Patient Comfort
Handheld X-ray Machines:
For anxious patients and pediatric practices, a handheld device can be less physically intimidating than an imposing mounted machine looming over the chair. Many patients find comfort in the fact that the operator doesn’t have to leave the room to use the handheld. Being able to move closer to the patient can also provide a more personalized and reassuring experience when capturing images. For patients with injuries or disabilities that prevent them from moving into or holding certain positions, handhelds offer the ability to capture imagining while reclined, seated, and more.
Mounted X-ray Machines:
The static nature of mounted machines ensures stability, which might make for faster sessions if operators are familiar with the devices. But fixed devices tend to appear more daunting than smaller handhelds, and It’s understandably hard to feel safe and comfortable under the mounted machine’s aim when your carers aren’t allowed to stay in the room.
- Efficiency
Handheld X-ray Machines:
Forgetting to charge handheld batteries or failing to return them to their charging stations could create delays, and image quality can be reduced when batteries are not fully charged. Since portable machines bring the imaging to the patient, they can help reduce time otherwise wasted shuttling patients between operatories and dedicated imaging rooms, and reduce potential backup caused by having a single imaging room for multiple operatories.
Mounted X-ray Machines:
While it’s familiar to most dental professionals currently using mounted units, having to leave the room for each exposure is certainly inefficient; not only does it take longer than staying in the room, but it can also create foot-traffic challenges in already congested hallways.
- Installation and Maintenance
Handheld X-ray Machines:
These machines usually require minimal installation, allowing dentists to use them almost immediately upon their arrival. Handheld units do carry an increased risk of being dropped when compared to mounted units, but maintenance is generally straightforward since the device can be sent for repairs without disrupting the entire operation.
Mounted X-ray Machines:
Installation of mounted machines is obviously more involved, requiring a dedicated space and likely professional assistance. Maintenance can be more challenging too; if the machine needs repairs, it might mean that an entire operation is out of commission. Since many technicians are already well-equipped to handle maintenance on these familiar machines, you might experience faster repair times.
- Safety Concerns
Handheld X-ray Machines:
Since operators don’t leave the room when using handhelds, following proper safety protocols is of utmost importance. Most come equipped with shielded designs, which protect the operator from scattered radiation. Assuming operators use a steady hand, the pinpoint accuracy and greater degree of mobility with handhelds can reduce the need for retakes and additional radiation exposure.
Mounted X-ray Machines:
Mounted X-ray machines typically require operators to leave the room during imaging, and that increased distance usually means a smaller risk of radiation exposure for those capturing images. As with shaky handheld images, there’s always a risk of suboptimal images from older wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted machines, requiring re-imaging and re-exposures. This is especially true when the patient's position shifts during the time when the operator needs to leave the room.
- Costs
Handheld X-ray Machines:
While the initial cost might be higher for some high-end handheld models, the benefits like reduced installation hassle, fewer maintenance challenges, and increased operational flexibility can make handheld machines a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Mounted X-ray Machines:
With a potentially lower initial cost and widespread knowledge of their maintenance, wall-mounted machines can offer economical solutions, especially for practices on a tighter budget. Though they might have a lower initial cost, the installation, maintenance, and operational inefficiencies can add up over time.
Making an Informed Choice
While traditional wall-mounted X-ray machines have served dental practices well for years and offer a more familiar operator experience, it's hard to ignore the flexibility and precision of newer handhelds. Their ease of use also makes newer handheld models an enticing option for practices looking to streamline operations and create the perception of a modern patient-centric practice.
Ultimately, the choice between a handheld X-ray or a mounted X-ray machine will depend on your practice’s budgetary considerations, operational priorities, and your own comfort levels and preferences.
Additional Radiation Safety Reminders
Regardless of which type of imaging device you choose, there are ways you can further reduce radiation risk and improve the safety of your operators and your patients:
- Certification & Training: Adherence to protocol and proper operation are some of the best ways to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure. Ensure your staff has been properly trained, has access to related continuing education, and are regularly tested on or reminded of proper radiation protocols.
- Personal Protection: Make sure that lead aprons, gloves, and protective eyewear are readily available to both staff and patients to help minimize exposure. Operators can also use a personal dosimeter to monitor and measure their exposure on a day-to-day basis (This is especially important for pregnant staffers.)
- Maintenance & Monitoring: All imaging devices and protective equipment should be carefully maintained and regularly inspected to ensure proper operation, and to facilitate early detection of any damage or wear that could impact shielding efficiency, levels of radiation leakage, and other threats.
And, as always, please be sure to carefully review ADA recommendations as well as Federal and state regulations that apply to radiation installation, protection, measurement, testing, inspection, and more.
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