A properly run quality assurance system of radiographs must aim to achieve which of the following?

A properly run quality assurance system of radiographs focuses primarily on minimizing patient exposure to an acceptable level because patient safety is the highest priority in any dental practice. This means ensuring that while diagnostic imaging is important for treatment planning and diagnosis, it should be conducted in a manner that reduces the risk of harm from radiation.

Minimizing exposure to radiation involves using the lowest possible dose necessary to achieve adequate diagnostic quality. This can include practices like using digital radiography, optimizing exposure settings, and ensuring equipment is properly maintained and calibrated. By adhering to these principles, a quality assurance system ensures that patient health is protected while still allowing for effective diagnosis and treatment.

While cost-effectiveness, reducing patient waiting times, and saving clinical time are important factors for the efficiency and smooth operation of a dental practice, they should not come at the expense of patient safety. Therefore, in the context of a quality assurance system, patient exposure reduction is the foremost concern, making it the correct focus.