In this episode of the "Dental Assistant Nation" podcast, Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, joined me to discuss the use of lead aprons in conjunction with dental radiography. During our podcast, she addressed the recent recommendations from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and the ADA regarding patient shielding.
While the use of lead aprons is no longer necessary in most cases due to advancements in digital imaging systems, there are still considerations for dental practices that use traditional film, and dental practices should check with their state boards about what is required in their specific state. The importance of consistent communication within the dental team and with patients is emphasized, as well as the opportunity to educate patients through social media and other resources. The episode concludes with a focus on empowering dental assistants and elevating the profession.
The resources mentioned in the podcast can be found at https://www.marygovoni.com.
Takeaways from this podcast
- The use of lead aprons in dental radiography is no longer necessary in most cases due to advancements in digital imaging systems.
- Dental practices that still use traditional film may need to continue using lead aprons.
- Dental practices should check with their state dental board about any state-specific dental imaging requirements surrounding lead aprons.
- Consistent communication within the dental team and with patients is crucial to avoid sending mixed messages.
- Utilizing social media and other resources can help educate patients about the changes in radiography practices.
- Patient preferences should be respected, and dental assistants should be prepared to comply with requests for lead aprons.
- Educational resources, such as studies and articles, can be valuable tools for informing patients and maintaining their confidence.
- Empowering dental assistants is essential for elevating the profession and ensuring patient care.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction and background
3:21 The use of lead aprons
6:10 Considerations for traditional film users
7:56 Consistency in communication
12:02 Utilizing social media
13:42 Patient preferences
16:19 Educational resources
18:16 Empowering dental assistants
18:39 Conclusion
You can hear the podcast by clicking the Play button below.
