The American Dental Association (ADA) has recently made significant updates to its recommendations regarding radiation protection in dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography. In collaboration with medical physicists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs established an expert panel to develop these updated guidelines, which have been published in The Journal of the American Dental Association. The aim of these recommendations is to ensure that dentists carefully consider the diagnostic information required from radiographic exams in order to enhance patient care and improve clinical outcomes.

As per the update, the ADA no longer recommends using thyroid collars on patients during radiographic exams. This change is based on comprehensive scientific evidence that demonstrates minimal or negligible radiation exposure to the thyroid gland during routine dental radiographs. The decision was also influenced by advancements in technology that have significantly reduced radiation dosage while maintaining diagnostic image quality. By implementing this new guideline, dental professionals can enhance patient comfort during X-ray screenings without compromising their health or overall treatment efficacy.

This decision was made after reviewing extensive literature, including articles, guidance documents, and regulations related to radiography. The expert panel concluded that thyroid collars and abdominal shielding are no longer recommended during dental imaging procedures. These findings align with recent guidance provided by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology as well.

It is worth noting that this marks the first set of updated guidelines on dental imaging safety and radiation protection from the council since 2012. By discrediting traditional methods such as thyroid collars for patients' benefit, these new recommendations signify a promising advancement towards more comprehensive radiation protection measures within dental practices.