A dental office memory for many – the heavy lead apron – faces retirement for many patients after new recommendations the American Dental Association (ADA) announced in February.
The recommendations follow several years of progress in reducing radiation exposure to dental patients, according to Benjamin Crockett, DMD, MS, assistant professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Surgical Dentistry and an oral and maxillofacial radiologist at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
“Ultimately, protecting patients is our goal,” Crockett said. “We don't want to brush off patient concerns about this change too quickly, while effectively explaining the reasoning behind them.”
Crockett also explains that the CU School of Dental Medicine – adhering to policy from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – will still require lead apron and thyroid shielding during imaging for pediatric patients under the age of 19.
In the following Q&A, Crockett breaks down the ADA changes, explains the move away from lead apron shielding, how dentistry has improved patient safety through technology and process improvements, and the communication challenges dentists face. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.