Which shielding is recommended for intraoral radiography?

Which shielding is recommended for intraoral radiography?

• A. No shielding is required.
• B. Lead apron with thyroid collar for all patients.
• C. Thyroid collar only is sufficient.
• D. Lead apron without thyroid collar for all patients.

Answer: (B)

Reducing radiation exposure to sensitive tissues during intraoral X-ray exams is essential. A lead apron provides broad protection to the trunk, while a thyroid collar offers targeted shielding for the neck where the thyroid gland sits. Using both for all patients minimizes scatter radiation to the thyroid and other radiosensitive tissues without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. The other options leave either the thyroid or larger parts of the body unshielded or omit one of the protective pieces, increasing unnecessary exposure. Therefore, a lead apron with a thyroid collar for all patients is the recommended shielding approach.

Reducing radiation exposure to sensitive tissues during intraoral X-ray exams is essential. A lead apron provides broad protection to the trunk, while a thyroid collar offers targeted shielding for the neck where the thyroid gland sits. Using both for all patients minimizes scatter radiation to the thyroid and other radiosensitive tissues without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. The other options leave either the thyroid or larger parts of the body unshielded or omit one of the protective pieces, increasing unnecessary exposure. Therefore, a lead apron with a thyroid collar for all patients is the recommended shielding approach.