What are some ways we as dental professionals can protect ourselves from radiation exposure?
What are some ways we as dental professionals can protect ourselves from radiation exposure?
A. Use appropriate protective devices, such as protective aprons, to cover patient’s reproductive organs and a protective lead collar to protect patient’s thyroid gland during exposure. Rectangular collimation of the X-ray beam is highly recommended as a means of decreasing the radiation dose to the patient.
How can I reduce my radiation exposure immediately?
Putting distance and shielding between you and a radiation source is an immediately effective way of reducing your exposure. Reducing the time you are being exposed is another way. Use a Respirator or Face Mask if You are exposed to airborne sources. Properly Label Sources and keep them Shielded.
What is the most effective measure in reducing a patient’s exposure to radiation?
Minimization of fluoroscopy time has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of reducing radiation dose to the patient and staff during fluoroscopy.
What materials can block radiation?
Materials that block gamma radiation:
- Lead aprons and blankets (high density materials or low density materials with increased thickness)
- Lead sheets, foils, plates, slabs, pipes, tubing, bricks, and glass.
- Lead-Polyethylene-Boron Composites.
- Lead sleeves.
- Lead shot.
- Lead walls.
- Lead putties and epoxies.
What are three methods of reducing a patient’s exposure to ionizing radiation?
ALARA
- Minimize time spent in areas with elevated radiation levels. Minimizing the exposure time reduces a worker’s dose from the radiation source.
- Maximize distance from source(s) of radiation.
- Use shielding for radiation sources (i.e., placing an appropriate shield between source(s) of radiation and workers).
What supplements help with radiation?
This consists of small doses of three different supplements, potassium iodide (KI), cesium and strontium that have been tested and proven to strengthen the human body against radiation. They work by blocking the thyroid from absorbing the radioactive fallout that harms it.
How do you flush radiation out of your body?
If you’re exposed to significant radiation, your thyroid will absorb radioactive iodine (radioiodine) just as it would other forms of iodine. The radioiodine is eventually cleared from the body in urine. If you take potassium iodide, it may fill “vacancies” in the thyroid and prevent the absorption of radioiodine.
Is there a risk of radiation from dental procedures?
The increase in radiation exposure through the use of medical and dental procedures has increased a patient’s risk for the harmful effects of radiation. It is established that the risk exists, which indicates the necessity for radiation protection and safety.
Is there radiation protection for dental radiologists in Australia?
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR RADIATION PROTECTION, Implementation of the principle as low as reasonable achievable (ALARA) for medical and dental personnel, NCRP Report 107, NCRP (1990). AUSTRALIAN RADIATION PROTECTION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY AGENCY, Radiation Protection in Dentistry, Code of Practice and Safety Guide, RPS 10, Canberra, Australia (2005).
What are the health risks of dental X-rays?
Individuals who operate dental X-ray equipment must have a basic knowledge of the inherent health risks associated with radiation and must have demonstrated familiarity with basic rules of radiation safety. 3.
Do you have to wear a protective apron during dental radiography?
Patient Protection All individuals unnecessary to the dental radiographic examination leave the X-ray room prior to making an exposure. Anyone who is in the X-ray room at the time of exposure must be behind a protective barrier or they can wear protective apron.
