Requires that a dentist or dental hygienist shield the thyroid of a patient with a thyroid collar when performing dental x-rays; establishes an exception to such requirement if, in the dentist's professional judgment, the use of a thyroid collar would be inappropriate.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6780
SPONSOR: Lupardo (MS) TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the education law, in relation to
requiring the use of thyroid collars when taking dental x-rays
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:: This bill would require, under most
circumstances, the use of thyroid collar or other similar protective
garment in addition to the lead apron when x-rays of the teeth or mouth
are taken during the performance of dental services.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:: The bill would amend subdivision 7
of section 6611 of the education law, as added by chapter 987 of the
laws of 1971 and as amended.
Section 1 of the bill requires that in addition to using a lead apron to
shield the torso during the taking of dental x-rays, the dentist or
hygienist must also shield the thyroid area except if the dentist's
determines that it would be inappropriate due to the nature of the
patient (e.g., a small child) or the type of x-ray being taken (e.g.,
panoramic x-ray).
Section 2 of the bill provides that the amendment shall take effect 180
days after the legislation is passed.
JUSTIFICATION:: This bill adds to the existing protective measures
required of dentists and dental hygienists when taking dental x-rays.
The bill acknowledges that as important as radiation is as a diagnostic
tool, it is also important for the dentist to use all available means to
protect patients against any effect of such radiation. Currently, many
dentists do in fact employ the use of a thyroid collar.
This bill, however, balances the interests in taking the extra precau-
tionary measure against the interests in the dentist being able to prop-
erly take the dental x-ray and leaves the dentist discretion to deter-
mine that it may be inappropriate under certain circumstances.
In sum, healthcare professionals should be required to protect patients
with all available means against any risks associated with radiation.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:: New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:: None
EFFECTIVE DATE:: This act shall take effect on the one hundred eight-
ieth day after it shall have become a law.
