Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What should dental professionals verify regarding female patients before X-rays?

1. That they have signed a consent form

2. That they have received a dental cleaning

3. That they are NOT pregnant

4. That they wore protective lead aprons

The correct answer is: That they are NOT pregnant

Dental professionals must verify that female patients are not pregnant before taking X-rays to ensure the safety of both the patient and the developing fetus. The reason for this precaution is that exposure to radiation during pregnancy can potentially harm the fetus, particularly during the first trimester when organs are forming. If a woman is pregnant, alternative diagnostic methods that do not involve radiation should be considered. The other considerations listed, such as signed consent forms, dental cleaning status, and the wearing of protective lead aprons, are important in the context of overall patient care and safety but do not address the specific risks associated with radiation exposure in pregnant individuals. Protecting patients from unnecessary radiation is a primary concern in dental radiography, making it crucial for dental professionals to confirm pregnancy status before proceeding with X-ray procedures.