What is IRMER 2017?

• A. Intraoral radiography measurement regulation.
• B. Independent Radiology and Medical Equipment Regulation.
• C. Ionising radiation regulations for patients safety.
• D. Imaging Radiation Management and Evaluation Regulation.

Answer: (C)

IRMER 2017 refers to the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, the rules that govern how ionising radiation is used for medical purposes to protect patients. It ensures that any radiographic procedure carried out for diagnosis or treatment is clinically justified and performed with optimisation, using the lowest dose that still provides a usable image. It defines who must take responsibility (employers, named clinicians, and radiation protection roles), requires appropriate training and supervision, mandates quality assurance and maintenance of equipment, and calls for proper records and reporting of exposures. In dental practice, this means you should only take a radiograph when there’s a clear clinical justification, apply the lowest reasonable exposure with shielding as needed, and follow established QA and recording procedures. The other options do not accurately describe what IRMER stands for or what it governs.