1. Image quality and reject analysis

Year 5 of 5

This module is 1 hour. Completing Years 1–5 meets the PrismCPD dentist IR(ME)R update of 5 hours over 5 years. It maps to GDC outcomes A, C and D.

Why quality assurance is an IR(ME)R duty

Optimisation fails if a large share of images are undiagnostic. Employers must have a quality assurance programme for imaging.

Grading (typical three-point approach — use the scale in your procedures)

• Diagnostically acceptable — answers the clinical question with acceptable quality
• Not acceptable — does not answer the question; investigate and consider a justified repeat

Some systems still use excellent / acceptable / unacceptable. The point is the same: score images, do not only file them.

Reject analysis

Log why images fail (positioning, collimation, movement, processing, wrong exposure). Look for patterns: one operator, one room, one holder. Fix the cause. A high repeat rate with no analysis is a CQC-style finding.