Which protective measure is routinely used to reduce patient exposure in dental radiography?

• A. Lead apron and thyroid collar
• B. Heavy gloves
• C. Eye protection only
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Reducing patient radiation dose in dental radiography is achieved mainly through shielding the patient and using proper imaging technique. The lead apron and thyroid collar are standard protective measures placed on the patient before exposure; the apron attenuates scatter radiation to the trunk, and the thyroid collar protects the neck’s thyroid gland, a particularly radiosensitive organ. Together they lower the overall effective dose in routine exams and align with ALARA principles.

Heavy gloves are meant for the operator and do not provide meaningful protection to the patient; eye protection for the patient is not a standard protective measure in routine dental radiography, and “none of the above” is not accurate because shielding is routinely used.