Who?
 
Who can use cephalometric equipment, beam limiting devices, Position Indicating Devices (PID's), and film holding instruments?
Orthodontists, Oral Surgeons, General Dentists, Pediatric Dentists.
     
What? . . . . and Why?
 
Cephalometric radiography is used for the production of traceable skull radiographs which are fundamental to the diagnosis and treatment planning of all orthodontic cases; and are also useful in making measurements of the cranium and orofacial complex. The Cephalometer is made up of two primary components: (1) the Cephalostat, and (2) the Fixator/Collimator.

Beam Limiting Devices (BLD's) prevent excess scatter radiation and shape the x-ray beam to the size of the image receptor. PID's (open-end lead-lined cones) are required to establish a minimum Source to Skin Distance and confine the x-ray beam to a minimum size required to establish a minimum size required by DHHS. Film holding instruments aid in the placement and alignment of periapical and bite-wing x-rays and help to eliminate cone cutting and misalignment.