FDA urges caution in purchase or use of hand-held dental X-ray units.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning dental professionals not to purchase or use certain potentially unsafe handheld dental X-ray units that are being sold online by manufacturers outside the U.S. Healthcare providers may be at risk as these devices do not meet safety requirements. Safe units will have permanent certification attached stating "This product complies with 21 CFR 1020.30-1020.31" or "complies with 21 CFR Subchapter J."

by Joanne Wineinger, RDA, Ninth District Trustee

Joanne Wineinger, RDA, is the Ninth District Trustee for ADAA. She is a resident of Denton, TX, and was a practicing dental assistant for 45 years. Ms. Wineinger has been an ADAA member since 1962 and currently serves as the Texas Dental Assistants Association (TDAA) Chairman of the Past President's Council and TDAA Executive Secretary.