Obtaining Great Images with the NOMAD Pro

The following is an overview of exposure techniques for the NOMAD Pro. For more detailed operation and safety information, please refer to your NOMAD Pro Operator Manual.

As an intraoral dental x-ray system, the NOMAD Pro can be easily positioned. This high degree of flexibility easily makes possible exposures while the patient is reclined, lying completely on their back, or sitting upright. Ensure the patient is protected by using a radiation shielding drape.

  • When taking images, operators may hold the NOMAD Pro by having both hands on the handset grip, or for increased stability and patient safety by placing one on the grip and the other on the underside of the housing.
  • Position the NOMAD Pro relative to the imaging system to minimize cone-cutting. (If your practice uses film holding kits or aiming devices, check compatibility in advance. See note below.)
  • Exposure times increase proportionally when the imaging angles vary away from 90° (or perpendicular) to the film or sensor. To maintain low patient x-ray doses and keep the operator within the protection zone, have the head of the patient slightly tilted, and/or raise or lower the chin as needed.
  • When the device must be angled and the operator cannot be completely within the protection zone, ensure operator protection through the use of proper safety measures, such as the use of a lead apron.
  • Position the NOMAD Pro collimator so that it is almost touching the patient’s face. For hygienic reasons, avoid touching the patient with the cone or backscatter shield; disposable plastic coverings can be used to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Determine what NOMAD Pro exposure time settings deliver optimal results for the type of imaging (digital or film-based) that is used on a regular basis.

Because the NOMAD is so easy to position, most practitioners find a positioning device is unnecessary. In most cases, the NOMAD collimator is held almost touching the patient’s face.

NOTE: NOMAD customers have reported success using a modified version of their existing Rinn-type positioning devices. The rod must be shortened so that the NOMAD backscatter shield can be flush with the positioning ring itself. The NOMAD backscatter shield should always be employed as far forward (toward the patient) as possible in order to function optimally.

Currently one company has created positioning devices exclusively for the NOMAD. This may be obtained from your dealer or by contacting  ClikRay™, item # 001-046 (see http://www.clikray.com/index_files/Page622.htm).

NOTE: Aribex does not manufacture, sell, or formerly endorse any positioning device from any manufacturer. This information is provided solely for the convenience of our customers.

NOTE: Both digital imaging sensors and film speeds can vary somewhat in their characteristics and could require different exposure settings to meet density preference. (See Section 4.9 in the NOMAD Pro Operator Manual for more information.)