To Shield or Not to Shield During Dentomaxillofacial Radiography?

Background: Patient shielding during dental radiology has been in effect forever. Patients never question its use. What will happen if we stop shielding our patients? Objective: To provide evidence-based recommendations and clinical guidance for patient shielding during dental radiographic imaging. Methods: An ad hoc committee was assembled by the Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology to review the literature and draft guidelines for patients while making dental radiographs. The committee reviewed reports on radiation dose to gonads, breast, and thyroid from dental imaging. Results: The task force determined that there is no risk of tissue reactions from dental radiography. They emphasize ways to reduce or minimize radiation dosage: (1) use published selection criteria after a medical and dental history and clinical examination. (2) Use digital receptors and customizing exposure for each patient shielding during radiography. (3) Use collimation to reduce patient doses by 60%. ( more...