In establishing the new guidelines, an expert panel reviewed 95 pertinent articles, guidance documents, and regulations.
The new recommendations are supported by medical physicists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. The panel determined that lead aprons and thyroid collars aren’t necessary to shield patients from radiation.
The recommendations are for all patients, including pregnant women, regardless of age or health status. According to the panel, modern digital X-ray equipment can restrict the X-ray beam to the size of the area needing to be imaged. Additionally, lead aprons or collars can prevent dentists from getting the required image.
“When this happens, more radiographs need to be taken, and unnecessary X-rays are what we want to avoid,” Dr. Purnima Kumar, professor of dentistry and chair of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, said in a statement.
Recommendations to Prevent Radiation Exposure
Radiation exposure can have adverse health effects, including tissue reactions and random effects, the panel wrote. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the extent of potential damage to tissues or organs depends on several factors, including the type of radiation, the sensitivity of the affected tissues and organs, the route and duration of exposure, and the overall health of the individual exposed. Acute health effects include nausea and vomiting, skin redness, hair loss, radiation burns, or death. Long-term effects include the development of certain cancers, including thyroid cancer.X-ray radiation, known as ionizing radiation, is no different.
- Use digital X-ray film for imaging instead of conventional.
- Limit beam size during an X-ray exam to the area needing examining.
- Position patients properly.
- Adhere to all federal, state, and local radiation safety regulations.
- Order X-rays to maximize diagnostic information and use past imaging whenever possible.
- Use cone-beam computed tomography only when lower-exposure options will not suffice.
Dr. Kumar said, “We encourage dentists and their teams to review these best-practice recommendations, comply with radiation protection regulations, and talk with their patients about any questions or concerns before ordering dental imaging.”