Shielding in Dental Radiography: Is It Applied Properly?

Purpose: Lead shielding in the forms of thyroid straps and apron are known as protection devices in medical imaging. Recent data and guidelines do not recommend the routine use of lead shielding in dentistry imaging even for pregnant women. This study was conducted to investigate whether the application of these shielding is appropriate in our dental radiography. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in five dental radiography centers that performed panoramic and intra oral imaging. A questionnaire consisting of five items was developed and technicians were asked to fill it out for a period of one month. Results: The results of this study showed that 72% of children and 70.3% of adults received protection by thyroid shielding. For 24% of children and 24.7% of adults no shielding was reported. In panoramic imaging of 55.5% children and 14.4% adult, thyroid shielding was used. Apron was applied for 33.3% of children and 54.4% of adults. No shielding was used for 11.1% of children and 30% of adults. Apron shielding in panoramic imaging for children was 33.3% and for adults 54.4% Conclusion: The results of this survey showed, in general, a routine behavior exists in shielding application for dental radiography which has not been updated. Then, it seems that there is a need for updating knowledge regarding appropriate use of thyroid and apron shielding for this imaging modality.