The present invention relates to a method and apparatus which quantifies radiation safety in medical imaging through the creation and analysis of objective data for each individual imaging procedure with respect to acquisition parameters, calculated radiation dose, and clinical data related to imaging examination selection and performance. The present invention also calculates a cumulative radiation dose based upon an individual patient's entire medical record, along with occupational and environmental exposures, to calculate a dynamic cumulative radiation-induced carcinogenesis risk. The present invention provides reforms to improve patient safety, quality and accountability, by creating a technology which simultaneously records and tracks objective data referable to radiation safety, medical imaging quality, and accountability among the various stakeholders and technologies in use. This quantifiable data is referred to as the Radiation Dose Quality Index (RDQI), and creates an objective, data-driven measure of quality and safety as it relates to medical practice.