Waste reduction in Clinical Dentistry after implementation of digital radiography

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to account for the amount of radiographic film residues that were no longer produced with the implementation of a digital imaging system at the UniEVANGÉLICA Diagnostic Imaging Center (CDI). Materials and Methods: 2554 intraoral examinations were carried out during the academic year of 2017. Each component of the intraoral radiographic film (lead film, black paper and plastic envelope) was weighed and compared to the weight of the plastic used to isolate the sensor and to the phosphor plate during a radiographic intake. This data enable us to calculate the amount of waste generated from these tests. Results: After the simple percentage test, a 97% reduction in the total weight of waste generated with the use of Digital Radiology is observed. Conclusion: Based on the results, a significant reduction in the amount of waste generated by radiology can be seen after the implementation of the digital imaging system at CDI. Currently, CDI offers patients higher quality tests, appropriate to the environment of the Image Archiving and Communication System (PACS), in addition to offering a positive environmental impact with a reduction in the waste generated..