Dental Radiation

Paper Summary:

The purpose of this research paper is to answer the question: "Is radiation safe in the dental office?" It hypothesizes that despite predominate thinking by dentists, cumulative radiation over time, even exposure to dental radiation in small amounts, can lead to health problems and significant health and safety issues for the patient and for personnel working in the dental office. This is especially true of women during their child bearing years. It also investigates whether information or empirical studies exist that quantify the amount of radiation people are exposed to for dental procedures and whether this level is safe to the patient or the people that may be around or inside of the room where the radiation is occurring.

Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of Dental Practices
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The proposition or purpose of radiography in the dental office is to provide dentists with diagnostic information about the bones in the mouth or teeth, while keeping radiation levels as low as possible. Dentists claim that X-ray examinations are ordinary examinations performed in the office with the purpose of maintaining a patient's dental care. There is evidence however that cumulative X-ray exposure may prove detrimental, so why would dentists continue to use it? I propose the use or over use of X-rays is partly a result of the lack of information about the cumulative effects of dental radiation. Dentists are as ignorant as patients in many cases when it comes to the safety of radiological exams. Most are likely taught at the university level that X-rays should be done annually or as often as necessary to promote proper health and detect early damage to the teeth."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Establishing a Dental Care Program. Ebony, 8.1: 1996, p. 1
• Farley, Dixie. Today's Dentistry: A Mouthful of Marvels. FDA Consumer, 19(1): 1985, p.10.
• FDA Consumer. Are dental X-Rays needed? Experts say 'not always.' FDA Consumer, 22(10):1988: p.15.
• FDA. The selection of patients for X-ray examinations: Dental radiological examinations, HHS publication No. 88-9273, Washington D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 2004.
• Marshall, J.C. Don't fault the 'dentist': An answer to critics, School Administrator, 58(2): 2001, p.66

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• Analytical Essay # 127992 : "Improper Shielding of Radiation"
• Term Paper # 145477 : "Evolution of Radiation Protection"
• Analytical Essay # 126600 : "Dental Health Program in Schools"

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