Health: Dentists warned over hazardous x-ray devices

Dentists have been warned not to buy a handheld x-ray machine which exposes patients to 10 times more radiation than recommended. The cheap imported device also poses a significant risk to dentists and nurses, health officials said.

The Tianjie Dental Falcon scanners can be bought on eBay for as little as pounds 205, compared with about pounds 4,000 for a safe model. Officials have confirmed that one UK-based dental practice purchased one of the dangerous machines, and several others have expressed interest in buying one.

Dental practices with the machines have been urged to contact the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Bruce Petrie, of the MHRA's medical devices enforcement team, said: "It's vital that dentists and dental staff do not buy these dental x-ray machines from eBay or other websites because they are not approved and not safe for dentists or patients.

"We have seized 13 machines from the distributor and we are working with eBay and other governments to ensure dentists and patients are protected."

Barry Cockcroft, chief dental officer for England, added: "I would urge all dental professionals to be cautious of seemingly cheap devices which may not be fit for purpose, and may be potentially dangerous."

Clinical evaluator Donald Emerton, who examined the seized devices, added: "I certainly wouldn't want someone to use this piece of equipment to take an x-ray of me." PA