X-Ray Film Recycling
Do Dental X-Rays Need to Be Removed From Their Mounts?
Do not take dental X-ray mounts apart just to request a pickup. Tell California Film Recycling how the films are stored and ask it to confirm the mounted material is included. For approved archives, its staff handles boxing at your facility, removal, and sorting.
What is a dental film mount?
A mount holds small dental films together so they can be viewed as a set. It may also carry information that connects those images to the patient's record.
The mount and the film are different materials. Describing both is more helpful than calling the entire collection a box of loose X-rays.
Which dental films are in the files?
A practice may have small films from inside the mouth and larger panoramic images. These may be stored in mounts, envelopes, or patient charts.
Mention the forms you recognize when discussing the archive. You do not need to count every small image or know the product name for every year of records.
Why keep the files together for now?
Pulling films out too early can separate an image from the information used to identify it. Keep the files together while the responsible person decides which records are approved for destruction.
For example, an office may approve one date range while retaining certain patient files. Make those exceptions clear before the team begins boxing anything.
What about other dental materials?
An unused film packet is different from a mount holding a finished image. Tell the team if you also have unopened packets, loose foil, digital sensors, or reusable imaging plates.
Do not assume these items are included because they came from the same room. Confirm the scope first, then let the team explain how the accepted collection will be handled.
How does a dental archive pickup work?
California Film Recycling comes onsite to box and remove approved archives. Staff separates film from records, envelopes, and CDs, securely destroys patient information, and provides a Certificate of Destruction.
Call 951-822-6298 and describe the mounts, charts, and approximate amount. Confirm acceptance before arranging the visit; your office does not need a separate packing project.
Quick questions
Should staff remove every small dental film?
No preparation project is needed just to inquire. Describe the mounted films and confirm what the pickup includes before spending time taking files apart.
Do panoramic films count as dental film too?
Yes. They are a different format from the small films placed inside the mouth. Mention both formats if they are present in the archive.
Are dental sensors accepted with old film?
Do not assume so. Sensors are equipment, and their removal needs separate confirmation. An agreement to collect patient film does not automatically include devices.