Beam Indicating Device

The beam indicating device (BID) guides the direction of the x-ray beam during the exposure of dental radiographs. This device functions to improve and standardize dental radiographic imaging, as well as a means to reduce risk of radiation exposure on the patient’s end. We measure the length of the BID from the anode to the open end of the BID (Figure 4). ^3,6,11,12

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

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