Which protective device helps to reduce exposure to the thyroid during dental radiography?

Which protective device helps to reduce exposure to the thyroid during dental radiography?

• A. Lead apron
• B. Thyroid collar
• C. Protective eyewear
• D. Gloves

Answer: (B)

Protecting the thyroid from scatter radiation during dental X‑ray exams is essential because the thyroid is especially radiosensitive and sits near the imaging field. The thyroid collar is a flexible lead shield worn around the neck to intercept scatter photons before they reach the thyroid, significantly reducing the dose to this gland without affecting the diagnostic area being imaged. In contrast, a lead apron mainly shields the torso, protective eyewear protects the clinician’s eyes, and gloves protect the hands from contamination—none of these reduce thyroid exposure. Used correctly, the thyroid collar provides targeted protection for the neck region during intraoral radiography, helping minimize cumulative radiation risk, especially in younger patients.

Protecting the thyroid from scatter radiation during dental X‑ray exams is essential because the thyroid is especially radiosensitive and sits near the imaging field. The thyroid collar is a flexible lead shield worn around the neck to intercept scatter photons before they reach the thyroid, significantly reducing the dose to this gland without affecting the diagnostic area being imaged. In contrast, a lead apron mainly shields the torso, protective eyewear protects the clinician’s eyes, and gloves protect the hands from contamination—none of these reduce thyroid exposure. Used correctly, the thyroid collar provides targeted protection for the neck region during intraoral radiography, helping minimize cumulative radiation risk, especially in younger patients.