Dr Oz and Thyroid Cancer

Recently Dr. Oz brought to our attention that “indiscriminate” use of X-ray radiation has brought an increase of thyroid cancer. He mentioned the fact that using X-ray for things such as acne and tonsillitis and shoe size measurements are NOT necessary. I agree.

We are keenly aware of the fact that radiation should be minimized at all costs. Our team if anyone could be exposed to dental radiation everyday. There are many measures we use to minimize the exposure to ourselves and our family of patients. Firstly as Dr. Oz mentioned technology has changed and digital X-rays have brought radiation doses down significantly. We have had digital X-ray systems for many years now. We have the most recent release of the industry leading Dexis X-ray sensor. We have a digital panoramic X-ray machine, this beam is less intense over analog systems by far.

The most important comment Dr. Oz makes is to protect the thyroid gland. I noticed that people have spoken of offices that put a separate thyroid collar if asked…. When we choose to take dental X-rays in our Manhattan dental office our apron not only covers the thyroid but it cannot be used without that protection. We also tailor an X-ray schedule, not by when insurance will pay for it, but by what is the minimal necessary to maintain health. For a patient that has had a low cavity history this means less X-rays that someone who has displayed multiple active lesions.
 
I am pleased that our office-wide discipline in protecting ourselves and our patients has been brought to light by such an important news release.