During conventional dental radiography, which protective gear is recommended for the patient?

During conventional dental radiography, which protective gear is recommended for the patient?

• A. Thyroid collar and lead apron
• B. None
• C. Goggles
• D. Gloves

Answer: (A)

Shielding sensitive tissues from scatter radiation is essential when taking dental X-rays. The thyroid gland is highly radiosensitive, especially in children, and scatter during intraoral radiography can expose the neck area. A thyroid collar plus a lead apron provides effective protection for these tissues without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. The collar sits around the neck to shield the thyroid, while the lead apron covers the chest and abdomen. This combination is standard practice to minimize patient radiation dose during conventional radiography. Goggles and gloves do not provide radiation shielding for the patient in this setting, and gloves are for infection control, not radiation protection. Therefore, the recommended protective gear is a thyroid collar and lead apron.

Shielding sensitive tissues from scatter radiation is essential when taking dental X-rays. The thyroid gland is highly radiosensitive, especially in children, and scatter during intraoral radiography can expose the neck area. A thyroid collar plus a lead apron provides effective protection for these tissues without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. The collar sits around the neck to shield the thyroid, while the lead apron covers the chest and abdomen. This combination is standard practice to minimize patient radiation dose during conventional radiography. Goggles and gloves do not provide radiation shielding for the patient in this setting, and gloves are for infection control, not radiation protection. Therefore, the recommended protective gear is a thyroid collar and lead apron.