157 - Parental Perception on New Radiology Shielding Guidelines

Parental Perception of New Radiology Guidelines
A Olivares, A Alcaraz, C Pham
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Purpose: This study aims to understand parental perception toward the new radiology guideline set forth by the American Academy of Oral Maxillofacial Radiology and assess parental understanding of radiation risks. The American Academy of Oral Maxillofacial Radiology guidelines state that the radiation dose shielding of the gonads and thyroid is negligible and no longer recommended. Lead aprons do not reduce internal scattered radiation. It has been suggested by the American Academy of Oral Maxillofacial Radiology that the sole purpose of lead shielding is to alleviate patient apprehension. Shielding does not decrease gonadal or thyroid radiation exposure. While the guidelines have changed the California Law Section 30311 mandates that patients “undergoing dental radiography shall be draped with a protective apron”.


Methods: Parents of healthy children aged 0-14 visiting the USC Pediatric Dental Clinic for routine exams were surveyed. Parents participated in a 10-minute written survey.


Results: Data is currently being collected.


Conclusion: Descriptive Statistics will be performed on collected data to interpret the parental perception of changing radiology guidelines.

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