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Basic Radiation Physics

Course Number: 570

Beam Indicating Device

The beam indicating device (BID) guides the direction of the x-ray beam during the exposure of dental radiographs. This device improves and standardizes dental radiographic imaging and reduces the patient's risk of radiation exposure. We measure the length of the BID from the anode to the open end of the BID (Figure 4). 3,6,11,12

Schematic cross-sectional anatomy of a dental x-ray tube.

Figure 4. Schematic cross-sectional anatomy of a dental x-ray tube.