Abstract

Radiographic examination in the field of dentistry is used as a supporting examination in determining a diagnosis and treatment plan. The development stage in processing radiographic film uses a developer solution. The developer solution contains the compound Hydroquinone which functions to create images. Hydroquinone is easily oxidized so it will reduce the developing ability of the developer solution. This study aims to determine differences in hydroquinone levels in radiographic developer solutions based on the length of time it oxidizes in free air. This laboratory experimental research uses a post test only control group design. The research samples consisted of 32 samples and were divided into 8 groups based on concentration and oxidization time in free air. Hydroquinone levels were measured using an HPLC instrument. The data obtained were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis Test followed by the Post Hoc Test. The results of the study showed that there were differences in hydroquinone levels in developer solutions exposed to free air for 7, 14 and 30 days. The highest hydroquinone levels were in the group that was not exposed to free air and the lowest hydroquinone levels were in the group that was exposed to free air for 30 days. A developer solution with a concentration of 25% decreases hydroquinone levels more quickly than a developer solution with a concentration of 50%. The conclusion is that there was a decrease in hydroquinone levels in the developer solution with oxidization time in free air for 7, 14, and 30 days.