Portable Dental X-Rays for Children and Teens in Apex
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A NOMAD handheld X-ray unit allows Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to capture selected intraoral images using a portable X-ray source. Its handheld design may help the dental team position the equipment efficiently for children while obtaining the images needed to evaluate cavities, dental development, injuries, and other concerns.
What Is a NOMAD Handheld X-Ray?
A NOMAD is a portable dental X-ray unit held by a trained team member during image capture. A digital sensor or imaging plate is positioned near the teeth, while the handheld unit produces the X-ray beam.
The resulting image is the same general type of intraoral radiograph that may be produced with a wall-mounted unit. The primary difference is that the X-ray source is portable and incorporates internal shielding and an external backscatter shield.
Benefits of Handheld Imaging
Supports Flexible Positioning
The operator can adjust the portable unit around the child rather than repositioning a wall-mounted arm.
Helps With Selected Pediatric Needs
Handheld positioning may be useful for younger children, patients with limited mobility, or patients who have difficulty maintaining a particular position.
Produces Digital Images
When paired with a digital receptor, the resulting image can be reviewed promptly and incorporated into the child’s dental record.
Did You Know…
The external shield on a NOMAD unit is designed to reduce backscatter radiation reaching the operator. Proper positioning, training, maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer instructions remain essential.
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Why Choose Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics?
The Imaging Process
1
Selecting the Image
Dr. Michael Kim determines which intraoral view is needed based on the child’s examination and available records.
2
Positioning the Sensor
A digital sensor or imaging plate is placed near the teeth being evaluated. The child is asked to remain still and may need to bite gently.
3
Capturing and Reviewing
The trained operator aligns the shield and X-ray beam before capturing the image. The resulting radiograph is then evaluated by the dentist.
“A handheld X-ray unit can make positioning more flexible for children, but the decision to take an image remains based on clinical need. Our team follows established operating procedures and evaluates whether each image will provide useful diagnostic information.”
Dr. Michael Kim
Read Verified Reviews From Apex Parents
“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research-Reported Operator Exposure With NOMAD Handheld X-Rays
Measured Operator Exposure Remaining Below the Annual Limit During a Two-Month Study
99.8%
Estimated Annual Operator Exposure Remaining Below the Study Limit
99.1%
Maximum Operator-Hand Dose Reduction From Backscatter Shielding
77%
Operator-Hand Dose Remaining With Backscatter Shielding
23%
Estimated Annual Whole-Body Exposure Compared With the Study Limit
0.9%
Two-Month Operator Exposure Compared With the Annual Limit
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| NOMAD Radiation Finding | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure remaining below the annual limit during a two-month study | 99.8% below limit | One study measured approximately 0.1 mSv of operator exposure over two months, equal to about 0.2% of the 50 mSv annual occupational limit referenced in the research. |
| Estimated annual exposure remaining below the study limit | 99.1% below limit | Another study extrapolated operator exposure over a year and found that it remained 99.1% below the maximum permissible annual dose used by the researchers. |
| Maximum hand-dose reduction from shielding | Approximately 77% reduction | Experimental measurements found that the handheld unit’s backscatter shield reduced operator-hand exposure by as much as approximately 77% at selected positions. |
| Hand dose remaining with shielding | As low as 23% remaining | At the position demonstrating the greatest reduction, measured operator-hand exposure was approximately 23% of the corresponding unshielded level. |
| Estimated annual exposure compared with the limit | 0.9% of limit | Researchers estimated an annual whole-body operator dose of 0.4536 mSv, equal to approximately 0.9% of the 50 mSv occupational limit used in the study. |
| Measured two-month exposure compared with the limit | 0.2% of limit | A separate evaluation measured approximately 0.1 mSv during two months of clinical use, representing about 0.2% of the referenced annual limit before annualization. |
Sources: Danforth RA et al., “Operator Exposure to Scatter Radiation From a Portable Hand-Held Dental Radiation Emitting Device,” Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2009; Goren AD et al., “Radiation Exposure With the NOMAD Portable X-Ray System,” Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, 2008; Cho JY et al., “The Reduction Methods of Operator’s Radiation Dose for Portable Dental X-Ray Machines,” Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics, 2012; Makdissi J et al., “The Effects of Device Position on the Operator’s Radiation Dose When Using a Hand-Held Portable X-Ray Device,” Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, 2016.
These findings concern operator exposure rather than the radiation received by an individual child. Results depend on the device, workload, exposure settings, shielding, operator position, maintenance, and study assumptions. The percentages comparing exposure with an annual limit do not mean the equipment is risk-free or appropriate for every situation.
Six Key Findings About NOMAD Imaging
NOMAD describes the X-ray source. The device produces intraoral dental radiographs and does not create three-dimensional CBCT images.
The device includes protective shielding. Internal shielding and an external backscatter shield are designed to reduce radiation reaching the trained operator.
Shield position matters. The backscatter shield must be positioned and oriented correctly to provide its intended protection.
The child still interacts with a receptor. A sensor or imaging plate is generally placed inside the mouth to capture the selected image.
Portability does not determine imaging frequency. The dentist prescribes X-rays according to clinical need rather than the convenience of the handheld equipment.
Technique affects image quality. Accurate alignment and patient cooperation help reduce positioning errors and unnecessary repeat exposures.
Schedule a Pediatric Dental Evaluation
Families can schedule an appointment with Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex for a child-focused examination and individualized imaging recommendations. Dr. Michael Kim will determine whether a handheld intraoral X-ray can provide clinically useful information.
Questions Apex Families Ask About NOMAD Handheld X-Rays
What is a NOMAD handheld X-ray?
A NOMAD is a portable dental X-ray source held by a trained team member while an intraoral radiograph is captured. A sensor or imaging plate records the image near the child’s teeth.
Why use a handheld X-ray for a child?
The portable design can provide greater positioning flexibility, which may help when a young child or a patient with limited mobility has difficulty adjusting to a fixed imaging unit.
Does the operator receive radiation while holding the device?
Operators may be exposed to small amounts of leakage or scattered radiation. NOMAD units incorporate protective shielding, and trained users must follow positioning, maintenance, and operating requirements intended to limit exposure.
Does a NOMAD use more radiation than a wall-mounted unit?
The dose depends on the specific equipment, receptor, exposure settings, positioning, and technique. Published studies have reported comparable exposure and image quality under evaluated conditions, but results should not be generalized to every device or protocol.
What can a NOMAD X-ray show?
Depending on the image taken, it may help identify cavities, evaluate tooth roots and surrounding bone, assess an injured tooth, or monitor selected areas during dental treatment.
Does every child need X-rays at each visit?
No. X-rays are recommended according to the child’s symptoms, examination findings, cavity risk, dental history, development, existing images, and planned treatment.