Which protective measures are recommended during dental radiography to minimize radiation dose to the patient?

• A. Lead apron and thyroid collar
• B. No protection
• C. Lead gloves only
• D. Glasses only

Answer: (A)

Protecting patients from scatter radiation is the main idea here. A lead apron shields the trunk and internal organs from stray exposure, while a thyroid collar specifically protects the thyroid gland, a radiosensitive area in the neck. Together, they significantly reduce the overall radiation dose without compromising the diagnostic quality of the radiograph when used with proper technique and collimation. Choices like lead gloves or glasses protect either the operator or are not intended to reduce patient dose, and providing no protection obviously increases exposure. Therefore, using both a lead apron and a thyroid collar is the recommended approach.