At Bowen Dental Engineering, we provide professional X-ray inspection and compliance testing for dental practices across Wales and the West Country.
X-ray equipment must be properly maintained and tested to meet both manufacturer standards and UK regulations.
The Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners recommend routine tests every 3 years.
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) require that X-ray equipment is maintained, tested, and examined at appropriate intervals to remain safe and fit for purpose.
Our manufacturer-trained engineers carry out electro-mechanical inspections annually and full radiological checks at least every 3 years, ensuring full compliance and patient safety.
How Often Do I Need My X-Ray Equipment Inspected?
Electro-mechanical inspection – annually (recommended by most manufacturers)
Radiological testing – every 3 years (but often carried out at the same time as the annual test for convenience)
How Long Does an X-Ray Inspection Take?
Intra-oral X-ray set – ~45 minutes
Panoramic X-ray set – ~1 hour 30 minutes
Panoramic with ceph – ~1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
X-Ray Inspection Costs
Intra-oral & panoramic X-ray sets – £130 per unit
Panoramic X-ray inspection (with or without ceph) – £190
What’s Included in an X-Ray Inspection?
Our engineers follow a comprehensive testing process, including:
Reviewing past inspection paperwork and highlighting unresolved concerns
Recording serial numbers of X-ray tube heads
Checking operating potential (kV), tube current (mA), and filtration values
Inspecting tube head stability and mount integrity
Checking for physical damage to the tube head
Testing electrical and mechanical safety features
Inspecting exposure control functionality
For intra-oral units: testing counter-balanced arm and fittings
For panoramic units: checking rotational movement and fittings
Testing dead-man switches and emergency stops
Measuring radiation output consistency
Highlighting discrepancies in operation or performance
Ensuring exposure settings are restored to original on completion
All findings are documented, and a written report is issued for your compliance records.
X-Ray Inspection – At a Glance
| Equipment | Time Required | Price (from) | Inspection Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-oral X-ray set | ~45 minutes | £130 per unit | Annual electro-mechanical & 3-year radiological testing |
| Panoramic X-ray set | ~1 hr 30 mins | £130 per unit | Mechanical, electrical, and safety checks |
| Panoramic with ceph | 1 hr 30 – 2 hrs | £190 | Full panoramic & ceph compliance inspection |
Book Your X-Ray Inspection
Whether you need an annual inspection or a 3-year radiological test, Bowen Dental Engineering will ensure your X-ray equipment remains safe, reliable, and fully compliant with UK regulations.
📞 Call us today on 0800 0548 360 to book your inspection or request a maintenance package tailored to your practice.
