Career guide · Benefits and well-being
Radiation protection, infection prevention and vaccination in dental clinics
X-rays, aerosols, blood: the biological and physical risks of the dental clinic are well known and well regulated. Here are the protections you are entitled to.
Are dental X-rays dangerous for staff?
Doses in digital dental radiography are very low and, with good practices (staying out of the beam, behind a partition or at a distance, never holding the sensor), staff exposure is negligible. Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 governs the installation and use of the equipment.
Is a dosimeter mandatory?
It is recommended or required depending on workload and applicable rules; many clinics provide one to people who regularly take X-rays, which confirms that exposure stays minimal. Ask whether the clinic provides one and who reads the results.
Who can take X-rays in a clinic?
Dentists, hygienists (on the dentist’s prescription) and dental assistants who have received the required training. X-ray training is part of the DEP in dental assisting; assistants trained on site must complete recognized training before taking images.
Can a pregnant employee take X-rays?
With the usual precautions exposure remains very low, but the law allows reassignment or preventive withdrawal if the physician deems it necessary, under the « Safe Maternity Experience » program. The decision rests with the treating physician, not the clinic.
Which vaccines are recommended for dental staff?
Hepatitis B above all (with immunity check), as well as up-to-date routine vaccines (tetanus, measles, pertussis) and flu and COVID-19 according to public health recommendations. Many clinics pay for or organize hepatitis B vaccination: it is a sign of seriousness.
How does the clinic prevent infections?
Through written protocols: surface disinfection between each patient, instrument sterilization with traceability, gloves and masks for every procedure, eye protection, sharps and biomedical waste management, and staff training. Our guide Sterilization and asepsis goes into detail.
Are aerosols a risk?
Yes, handpieces and ultrasonic scalers generate aerosols; good practices include high-volume suction, rubber dam when possible, adequate ventilation and appropriate masks (N95 for certain procedures according to recommendations). New clinics are designed with enhanced ventilation.
What should you do after blood exposure?
Wash immediately, report to the employer, promptly consult a doctor or emergency department for assessment (prophylaxis possible in the first hours), record the event and complete serological follow-up. The clinic must have a posted protocol and cannot blame you for reporting.
Who pays for vaccines and tests?
Vaccines recommended in the workplace are often offered free by public health or covered by the clinic; immunity tests (hepatitis B) are covered by RAMQ with a prescription. A clinic that organizes all this at hiring saves you time and shows its rigour.
How do you assess these protections before accepting a job?
Ask for the infection prevention protocol, the installation year of the X-ray equipment, dosimeter availability, the vaccination policy and the exposure protocol. Go Dentiste clinics run fully digital, with recent digital and panoramic X-ray units.
Go further
- Digital and panoramic X-rays
- Maternity leave and preventive withdrawal
- Dental career guide: the 1,000 questions
- All positions at Go Dentiste
Sources and references
- CNESST — Labour standards, pay equity, health and safety
- ODQ — Dental hygienists’ scope of practice after Bill 29 (PDF)
- ASSTSAS — Ergonomic risks, MSDs and handling (2025 review)
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.