Which protective device is best for shielding the thyroid gland from radiation?

The thyroid collar is specifically designed to protect the thyroid gland from unnecessary exposure to radiation during dental radiography and other imaging procedures. The thyroid gland is particularly sensitive to radiation, making it critical to use a protective device that adequately shields this area. The collar is made from lead or lead-equivalent material, which effectively absorbs scatter radiation, reducing the dose received by the thyroid.

While lead aprons are commonly used to protect the body from radiation, they do not specifically target the thyroid area as effectively as a thyroid collar does. Protective gloves primarily offer hand shielding and are not designed to protect the thyroid. Lead shields without a collar might provide general shielding but lack the specificity required for protecting the thyroid gland.

Therefore, the thyroid collar is the best choice for shielding this sensitive gland during radiological procedures, ensuring that the risk of thyroid-related complications due to radiation exposure is minimized.