As far as history dates back, medical technology has been ever-changing, giving small and large breakthroughs. The medical industry began its large advancements in the mid-20th century, more specifically following the end of World War II, due to the development of vaccines and the large production of antibiotics. 

   German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen first discovered the X-ray on Nov. 8, 1895, while experimenting with cathode ray tubes. He noticed that the rays could pass through solid objects and produce pictures of bones on photographic plates. He called his discovery the X-ray due to it being produced by rays, and how “X” commonly represents the unknown.

   Röntgen famously made an image of his wife’s hand wearing her wedding ring. Following this, he received the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for this discovery. Although this discovery revolutionized diagnostic procedures, the benefits were evident, but the risks were not. 

   The discovery of X-rays allowed physicians to see internal structures without immediate surgery. However, Physicians were not aware of the sheer amount of rays being used for each X-ray (1,500 times higher than modern X-rays), and how badly health was being affected by it. Early X-rays could cause permanent health damage. Immediate side effects included alopecia (hair loss), dermatitis (skin burns), and even limb amputation. Long-term effects included leukemia, skincancer, and severe ulcerations. 

   Before the dangers of X-rays were discovered, X-rays went on to be used as entertainment in shows, and quickly became novelties in shoe stores to see the makeup of feet and to check the fit of each shoe. It is evident that they were used more than necessary and were commonly misused. In addition, early, unsheathed machines leaked this radiation, harming more than necessary. 

   Not only were the first X-rays dangerous, but they also lacked efficiency. The process was often slow, requiring multiple takes to get a readable shot, leading to unnecessary long-term exposure. 

   “On average, developing an X-ray would take approximately 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size, and then if it is a bad X-ray, the process would need to be repeated. It was very inconvenient,” Said Amy Merritt-Clark, who worked as both an oral surgery assistant and a dental assistant for seven years. 

   Merritt-Clark also stated how, during root canal procedures, a needle would be inserted into the gum, then an X-ray would be taken to see if it is properly placed around the nerve. With X-rays taking 5 to 15 minutes to process, the patient would have to lie in the chair and wait. Sometimes, the X-rays weren’t clear,

Or the needle was in the wrong place; the process would repeat itself. Merritt-Clark voiced how this was very uncomfortable for each patient.

  Since Merritt-Clark started her time in the dental industry in 2002, X-rays have come a long way. Now, you can get a clear X-ray in a matter of seconds with significantly less radiation. This leads to fewer health risks and a more efficient use of Röntgen’s invention. 

   Overall, medical technology has advanced tremendously in the 20th century and continues to advance today. Trends show that there will continue to be medical breakthroughs in vaccines, medications, and diagnostic procedures. Since the end of World War II, many medical devices have advanced; X-rays are just one small example.