What should dental professionals do with their personal dosimeter badges?

Dental professionals should wear their personal dosimeter badges consistently and return them for analysis as required because these badges are essential tools for monitoring radiation exposure. By wearing the dosimeter at all times while working in environments where radiation is present, professionals ensure an accurate assessment of the cumulative radiation dose they receive over time.

Returning the badges for analysis allows for regular monitoring and record-keeping, which is crucial for maintaining safety protocols and adhering to regulatory standards. This practice helps identify any potential overexposure to radiation, enabling timely interventions and adjustments to work practices to minimize risks.

In contrast, simply storing the badges in a safe location would not provide any useful information about radiation exposure. Wearing dosimeters only during emergencies could lead to underreporting of radiation exposure during regular procedures. Sharing badges with colleagues undermines the purpose of personal monitoring, as individual exposure levels vary, and each practitioner should have their dosimeter to accurately reflect their personal exposure.