Attention must be paid to radiation shielding

In dental X-ray imaging, the radiation shielding of the patient must be ensured. Sufficient distance from the patient reduces the radiation exposure of staff.

Shielding the patient

In the radiation shielding of the patient during dental X-ray imaging, the thyroid gland is the most important organ to be protected. The thyroid gland must be protected with a lead collar, for example, if the collar does not impede the examination. A lead poncho can be used for panoramic examinations. The radiation exposure of embryos in dental X-ray examinations is very minor. As such, a lead apron covering the stomach does not offer significant additional protection, but it can be used.

Shielding the staff

The staff performing dental X-ray examinations must be shielded from radiation. In intraoral and panoramic tomography X-ray imaging, the minimum distance from the patient is two metres. Moving behind a dividing wall for the duration of the imaging is often a sufficient radiation safety measure.

Structural radiation shielding

The need for radiation shielding in the imaging room depends on the usage volume of the X-ray equipment, its radiation output, the size and imaging directions of the radiation beam, the location of the X-ray equipment in the room and the purpose of the facilities surrounding the room. In case of intraoral and panoramic equipment, the existing structures of the room (such as a brick wall) usually constitute sufficient structural radiation shielding of the premises. If the structures are considered insufficient, the radiation shielding of the walls or sections of the walls must be improved.