In general health care, use is increasingly being made, in diagnostics, of ionizing radiation sources. In accordance with a European law, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports has set up a medical radiation information system (IMS). This internet digital information system provides insight into the yearly amount of radiation which the population receives as a result of the various diagnostic techniques. The use of dental x-rays also contributes to the amount of radiation. This system is intended to increase radiation consciousness and encourage the responsible use of ionizing radiation in health care.