Leaded shields for thyroid dose reduction in intraoral dental radiography

This study evaluated the radiation dose reduction, operator acceptance, and patient acceptance of two types of leaded thyroid shields designed for use during intraoral dental radiography. Exposure levels were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters on three groups of 20 patients undergoing complete mouth (20-film) surveys. Skin entrance dose to the thyroid was 20 mR per complete mouth survey without a shield in place, 12 mR per complete mouth survey with the experimental shield in place, and 9 mR with the commercial shield. Patients and radiologic technologist were surveyed to determine patient comfort and operator acceptability. Patient and operator acceptability were higher for the experimental shield than for the commercial shield.