Should a thyroid collar be removed during exposure?

Should a thyroid collar be removed during exposure?

• A. No; keep the thyroid collar in place during exposure
• B. Yes; remove for better image quality
• C. Only for thyroid surgery patients
• D. It depends on receptor size

Answer: (A)

Shielding the thyroid from scatter radiation is the key idea here. The thyroid collar absorbs low-energy photons that scatter from the primary x-ray beam, reducing dose to a radiosensitive organ without harming the image when placed correctly. For most dental radiographs, the collar sits outside the path of the primary beam and does not interfere with receptor placement or image quality, so keeping it in place protects the patient without compromising the exam. Removing it would unnecessarily increase thyroid exposure. If a particular setup somehow compromised the image due to the collar, adjustments can be made, but the recommended practice is to leave the collar on during exposure.

Shielding the thyroid from scatter radiation is the key idea here. The thyroid collar absorbs low-energy photons that scatter from the primary x-ray beam, reducing dose to a radiosensitive organ without harming the image when placed correctly. For most dental radiographs, the collar sits outside the path of the primary beam and does not interfere with receptor placement or image quality, so keeping it in place protects the patient without compromising the exam. Removing it would unnecessarily increase thyroid exposure. If a particular setup somehow compromised the image due to the collar, adjustments can be made, but the recommended practice is to leave the collar on during exposure.