What is the purpose of using a thyroid collar during dental radiography?

The use of a thyroid collar during dental radiography serves the important purpose of protecting the thyroid gland from radiation exposure. The thyroid gland is particularly sensitive to radiation, and exposure can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer later in life. The collar acts as a shield, minimizing the amount of scatter radiation that reaches the thyroid area during dental imaging procedures.

This protective measure is essential in providing a safer radiographic experience for patients, especially since dental radiographs are performed frequently. While enhancing image clarity, patient comfort, or stabilizing the patient's head can be relevant to the radiographic process, the primary importance of the thyroid collar is its role in safeguarding against unnecessary radiation exposure to a vulnerable part of the body.