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Answer to Question #2655 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures not directly to embryo/fetus

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q
What effects can the normal radiation have on a female dentist in terms of future pregnancy? What if the same dentist sometimes holds the film in the patient's mouth exposing themselves to both primary and secondary beam radiation? I understand that my questions are not specifically quantitative in amount, but what would be your best guestimate?
A
There is no reason to hold the film in your patient's mouth. There are holders that should do the job along with having the patient help. But besides the issue of exposing your hand, the fetus is not exposed to doses that would be of concern. You have to radiate the embryo to harm it. The scatter radiation would be too little to cause birth defects or miscarriage.

Robert Brent, MD, PhD, DSc
Answer posted on 5 May 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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