The use of bulky lead aprons in dental offices may soon become obsolete, depending on your location.

On Thursday, the biggest dental organization in the country announced that it will no longer suggest the employment of lead aprons and thyroid collars for patients undergoing dental X-rays.

There are two primary factors driving this change. The X-ray beams are now more precise, reducing worries about radiation exposure to other areas of the body. Additionally, the use of aprons and collars can occasionally impede dentists from obtaining necessary images.

According to Dr. Purnima Kumar, the most effective way to reduce radiation exposure is to ensure that the X-ray is necessary and performed correctly on the first attempt. Dr. Kumar is the chair of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, which recently issued this recommendation.

According to her, dental X-rays utilize a modest level of radiation.

According to Kumar, it is similar to flying from Michigan to San Francisco and receiving one dental X-ray.

Kumar stated that while the association recommends using aprons, the ultimate implementation of this change relies on the actions of state dental boards, dentists, and patients. For instance, California state regulations mandate the use of aprons by dentists.

According to Sanjay Mallya, a professor and radiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, there is no definitive scientific evidence that supports the necessity of aprons.

“However, we are bound by the law that mandates it,” stated Mallya, one of the authors of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology’s recent recommendation to stop using lead aprons and thyroid collars. Kumar mentioned that this recommendation prompted the American Dental Association to address the issue.

The latest advice is supported by medical physicists working for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Mallya stated that the use of X-rays may lead both patients and dentists to overlook important measures for minimizing exposure to radiation. These measures include verifying the necessity of an X-ray and opting for digital X-rays instead of film ones, as they emit lower levels of radiation.

According to him, altering the mindset of patients, dentists, and policymakers towards using aprons will require efforts in advocacy and education.

He stated that it would be our next course of action.

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