Radiation protection guidelines for the practicing orthodontist.

This article summarizes the most recent (December 2003) dental x-ray guidelines from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements report #145. The guidelines are intended for all dental health-care providers. They address radiation dose limits for occupational and nonoccupational exposure and radiation protection for operators, patients, and the public. Equipment design can play an important role in radiation protection, and recommendations from the guidelines are discussed.