Survey results: Use, perceptions of lead shielding in dentistry
In early December, we asked our community: Are you still using lead shielding in dental x-rays? Why or why not?
Over 1,000 of you responded, and now we're here to share the results! Let's dive in.
Lead aprons are still commonplace
About 7 in 10 (68%) of respondents are continuing to routinely use lead shielding for x-rays.
In many states across the US, their use is still mandated by law. Many clinicians expressed that they'd like to be able to stop using lead aprons, but either patients were resistant, laws did not allow for it, or employers still required it.
Why we're keeping the aprons
However, as you can see above, the most common reason was that the respondents themselves thought that lead aprons should still be used (31%). Other answers were that the state mandates it (18%) or the employer required it (14%).
What's triggered change
For those who'd already ditched lead aprons, the most common reason by far was the new ADA guidelines released in 2023 (45%).
How worried are patients?
We also asked clinicians about their own patients' level of concern about radiation exposure. About one-third (35%) described the concern as low, 39% said moderate, and 23% said high.
Many of our readers said that patients were driving the use of lead aprons. "All patients questioned prefer use of shielding even when explained ADA recommendations," said one respondent. "After consulting with medical radiology technicians, there is no contradiction for using shielding in dentistry."
Another said, "Ease of mind is the best thing you can use to convince a patient scared of radiation to take xrays, and lead aprons are a huge help towards that. It makes people feel safe and protected."
"Frankly, it's easier to continue shielding than taking time to explain," one practitioner reported.
Changing public perceptions of radiation safety procedures is a primary issue with addressing patient concerns, as many respondents noted. Here's one example:
"I continue mainly because patients expect it; most patients would refuse X-rays entirely if a lead apron was not provided. Plus California still mandates it. It would take a huge awareness campaign on behalf of the ADA and CDA, in conjunction with patient education on behalf of our office staff to get the word out for people to know this is even a possibility. I think most people would still request an apron even after being made aware of the new recommendations because they'll say they'd rather be 'safe than sorry,' or 'it won't hurt to still use it.'"
To read more about the new guidelines, check out our original article below:
