Advantages οf Dental X-Ray Testing With Mako From RTI

Dental X-ray examinations are a routine part of dental care worldwide. Many patients are exposed to dental X-rays regularly throughout their lives, often during standard check-ups and follow-up visits. While intraoral examinations typically involve relatively low radiation doses, higher doses are used for panoramic imaging and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Because dental X-ray imaging is performed on healthy individuals of all ages and often repeatedly over time, it is essential that X-ray units deliver the correct output — neither too high nor too low. Good oral health is closely linked to overall well-being and has been associated with a reduced risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, infections, and dementia. Accurate and reliable dental imaging therefore plays an important role in modern healthcare, and regular testing and verification of dental X-ray equipment are key to ensuring patient safety, consistent image quality, and regulatory compliance.

Mako – One Measurement, Complete Insight

The RTI Mako multimeter is designed to simplify dental X-ray testing without compromising accuracy. Using a single exposure and an R/F Probe positioned in the X-ray beam, Mako measures all key parameters needed for dental QA:

• kV
• Exposure time
• Dose
• Dose rate
• Filtration
• Half-Value Layer (HVL)
• Pulses

Measurement data is transferred wirelessly via Bluetooth to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This eliminates cables, reduces setup time, and allows the user to maintain a safe distance from the radiation source (see Picture 1)

Intraoral X-ray – Automatic Waveform Compensation

Intraoral X-ray testing with Mako is straightforward: place the probe in the beam and expose. Modern dental X-ray systems typically use high-frequency (DC/HF) generators with stable output, while older systems may use single-phase waveforms.

Some multimeters require manual waveform compensation for the single-phase. Mako does not. The probe automatically detects the generator type and applies the appropriate compensation, minimizing user input and reducing the risk of measurement errors.

CBCT – Safe, Cable-Free Rotation

CBCT testing requires the multimeter to be mounted on the detector surface, ensuring free and unobstructed rotation during exposure (see Picture 2). With the Mako Panoramic Holder, the entire setup is securely attached to the detector — no hanging cables, no risk of collisions, and no damage to multimeters or displays.
All measurement data is transmitted wirelessly to the user’s display of choice. Mako always records and displays full kV and dose-rate waveforms, which is particularly valuable for CBCT systems where output may vary during rotation, for example when the tube passes behind the patient’s neck.

Panoramic Imaging – Precision in Narrow Beams

Panoramic dental X-ray testing presents a unique challenge due to the very narrow X-ray beam, often only a few millimeters thick. Mako addresses this with a dose detector measuring just 0.9 mm, making it easier to fully irradiate the sensor.
If the probe is positioned too close to the beam edge, Mako’s unique position guidance system directs the user toward the beam center (see Picture 3). The Panoramic Holder allows fine lateral adjustment of the probe without disturbing the overall setup.

Adapts to Local Requirements

Regulatory requirements for dental X-ray testing vary by country. Some demand Dose Area Product (DAP) measurements, others require CTDI. Mako is designed to adapt.
A wide range of ion chambers and accessories can be connected to the Mako system as needed, enabling measurement of parameters such as:

• Tube current (mA, mAs)
• Monitor luminance and ambient light
• Dose Area Product (DAP)
• Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI)

Accessories can be added as requirements evolve, allowing Mako to adapt to both the application and the user.

A Flexible Solution for Dental X-ray QA

Whether testing intraoral units, panoramic systems, or CBCT scanners, Mako provides a fast, accurate, and future-ready solution for dental X-ray quality assurance — combining wireless simplicity with advanced measurement capability.

Björn Cederquist is a Sweden-based medical physicist who joined RTI Group in 2008. Starting in R&D with detector design, he moved into sales and technical support in 2009. Today, he supports customers across mainland Europe, Japan, and South Korea, combining strong technical expertise with practical clinical insight.

Published in EFOMP News, Issue 01/2026/Spring, pages 41-43