--- title: Using the XDR Exposure Meter  description: Learn how to use the XDR Exposure Meter to capture diagnostic-quality radiographs. --- Get in touch: [844-937-7000](tel:844-937-7000) [![XDR Radiology](https://xdrradiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/logo_xdr.svg)](https://xdrradiology.com) - Products - [Intraoral Sensor](https://xdrradiology.com/products/sensor/) - [Imaging Software](https://xdrradiology.com/products/software/) - [Image Conversion](https://xdrradiology.com/products/conversion/) - Solutions - [Dental Groups](https://xdrradiology.com/solutions/dso/) - [Private Practices](https://xdrradiology.com/solutions/practices/) - [Federal Programs](https://xdrradiology.com/solutions/federal/) - [Institutions](https://xdrradiology.com/solutions/institutions/) - [Partners](https://xdrradiology.com/partners/) - [Customers](https://xdrradiology.com/customers/) - [Club](https://xdrradiology.com/club/) - [Shop](https://xdrradiology.com/shop/) - Support - [Knowledge Base](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/?hsLang=en-us) - [Technical Support](https://xdrradiology.com/support/) - [Download Center](https://xdrradiology.com/download/) [Talk to Sales](https://xdrradiology.com/contact) [Skip to content](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/using-the-xdr-exposure-meter-#main-content) English - United States Show submenu for translations ![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Frame%209.png?width=865&height=138&name=Frame%209.png) - Home - Products - Pricing - Blog - Company Open main navigation Close main navigation - Home - Products - Pricing - Blog - Company - English - United States Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://xdrradiology.com/support/) [Contact us](https://xdrradiology.com/support/) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [XDR Radiology](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/?hsLang=en-us) 2. [Getting started](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/getting-started?hsLang=en-us) August 31, 2026 # Using the XDR Exposure Meter ## Learn how to use the XDR Exposure Meter to capture diagnostic-quality radiographs. Proper exposure is crucial for capturing diagnostic radiographs When taking X-rays using an XDR sensor, the exposure meter (located at the bottom left of the XDR Exam screen) is your primary guide to proper exposure. For each X-ray, the meter *must* register within the green "GOOD" zone.   Before *every* exposure, adjust the exposure time on your X-ray machine. This crucial step ensures the meter reads "GOOD" and accounts for variations in: - **Area of interest:** Different anatomical structures require varying exposure levels. - **Patient size:** Larger patients necessitate higher exposures. - **Sensor type:** Ensure compatibility between the sensor and exposure settings. Always adhere to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). Using a single, fixed exposure time is not only unsafe for the patient due to potential overexposure but also leads to inconsistent image quality. Furthermore, underexposure can result in the need for retakes, increasing the overall radiation dose. **How to use the exposure meter:** The meter provides feedback on the previous exposure, indicating whether it was LOW, GOOD, or HIGH. This feedback loop helps you maintain ALARA and achieve diagnostically acceptable radiographs. | ![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-6465-PM.png?width=447&height=324&name=undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-6465-PM.png) | **Underexposure**      ![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-36-9322-PM.png?width=177&height=93&name=undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-36-9322-PM.png)      “Grainy”, light images with poor contrast can be a sign of insufficient exposure relative to the anatomy being radiographed. | | --- | --- | | ![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-1330-PM.png?width=450&height=324&name=undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-1330-PM.png) | **Proper Exposure**    ![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-9576-PM.png?width=186&height=99&name=undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-9576-PM.png)      Clear, well-defined images with good contrast are a sign of proper exposure relative to anatomic density. | | ![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-4031-PM.png?width=448&height=322&name=undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-37-4031-PM.png) | **Overexposure**      ![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-38-1709-PM.png?width=186&height=99&name=undefined-Aug-31-2026-02-20-38-1709-PM.png)      Dark images that appear “burned out” can result from excessive exposure relative to the area of anatomy being radiographed. | **Key takeaway:** The black line on the exposure meter should *always* be within the green "GOOD" zone. **Important Note for Portable Units:** Portable handheld X-ray units may exhibit lower meter readings compared to wall-mounted units. If you're using a portable unit, please contact XDR for specific instructions and calibration guidance. - [Getting started](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/getting-started?hsLang=en-us) - [Troubleshooting](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en-us) - [FAQs](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/faqs?hsLang=en-us) - [General](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/general?hsLang=en-us) - [Integrations](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/integrations?hsLang=en-us) - [Reports](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/reports?hsLang=en-us) - Home - Products - Pricing - Blog - Company [![](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Frame%209.png?width=865&height=138&name=Frame%209.png)](https://kb.xdrradiology.com/?hsLang=en-us) 11300 W Olympic Blvd Suite 710 Los Angeles, CA 90064 Copyright © 2025, XDR Radiology ![XDR Radiology](https://xdrradiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xdr-white.png) XDR® offers dentist-driven radiology, imaging, and diagnostic tools that enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and drive practice success by bridging the gap between dentistry and technology. ##### BUSINESS HOURS Mon – Fri 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM PT Sat – Sun Closed [844-937-7000](tel:844-937-7000) ##### NEWSLETTER [SUBSCRIBE](https://xdrradiology.com/newsletter) ##### COMPANY - [About Us](https://xdrradiology.com/about/) - [Leadership Team](https://xdrradiology.com/leadership/) - [Careers](https://xdrradiology.com/careers/) - [Refer a Client](https://xdrradiology.com/refer/) - [Press Releases](https://xdrradiology.com/press/) - [Newsletter](https://xdrradiology.com/newsletter/) ##### SUPPORT - [Ownership Guide](https://xdrradiology.com/own-xdr/) - [Return Policy](https://xdrradiology.com/return-policy/) - [Warranty](https://xdrradiology.com/warranty/) [Terms of Use](https://xdrradiology.com/terms-of-use/) [Privacy Policy](https://xdrradiology.com/privacy-policy/) [Cookie Policy](https://xdrradiology.com/cookie-policy/) [Compliance & Transparency](https://xdrradiology.com/compliance/) [EULA](https://xdrradiology.com/eula/) [Patents](https://xdrradiology.com/patents/) This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the [Google Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply. © Copyright Cyber Medical Imaging, Inc dba XDR Radiology. 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