Where should a personnel dosimeter ideally be worn during dental radiography to monitor exposure to the body?

• A. Under the lead apron at the chest
• B. Over the lead apron at the neck
• C. On the wrist
• D. In the pocket

Answer: (A)

The dosimeter should be worn under the lead apron at the chest because it is intended to measure the dose to the body that is protected by shielding during dental radiography. Placing the badge under the apron ensures the reading reflects the actual body exposure behind the shield and remains protected from damage, giving a reliable measure of whole-body dose. Wearing it over the apron at the neck would capture exposure to unshielded tissues like the thyroid and head, which is not the standard measure for overall body dose. A badge on the wrist or in a pocket would not reliably reflect protected torso exposure and is more prone to movement and loss.