Which scenario is regulated by IRMER?

• A. Use of dental X-ray to expose a patient to ionising radiation
• B. Use of a non-ionising imaging modality
• C. Administering a local anaesthetic
• D. Taking a blood pressure

Answer: (A)

IRMER covers medical exposures to ionising radiation, ensuring any radiographic procedure is justified and kept as low as reasonably achievable. In dentistry, that means the use of dental X-rays to expose a patient to ionising radiation is regulated, requiring appropriate justification, optimization, shielding, recording, and operator competence. Non-ionising imaging methods (like MRI or ultrasound), administering local anaesthetics, and taking a blood pressure do not involve ionising radiation and are not governed by IRMER. So the scenario that IRMER regulates is using a dental X-ray to expose a patient to ionising radiation.