Radiation Safety in Dentistry: Facts & Realities

Radiographs are essential to dentists for diagnosis and monitoring treatment. However, an integral part of radiography is exposure of patients and clinical staff to X-rays. No exposure to X-rays can be considered completely free of risk, so the use of radiation by dentists is accompanied by a responsibility to ensure appropriate protection. The principles of radiation protection describe the methods to minimize the exposure of the operator, patient and the dental personnel and still provide benefits for the patient from use of diagnostic radiography. Hence the purpose of this book is to focus on different radiation protection modalities which are used to protect the patient and operator.