Under what circumstance should lead aprons be used in a dental practice?

Lead aprons should be used during all exposures in a dental practice to effectively reduce the dose of radiation that patients receive. This protective gear is designed to shield sensitive organs and tissues from scatter radiation that can occur during dental imaging procedures, such as X-rays. While specific populations like children or pregnant women may require extra precautions due to their increased sensitivity, the principle of protecting all patients applies uniformly. By using lead aprons for every patient, dental professionals ensure consistent safety standards, minimizing radiation exposure regardless of age or condition. This practice aligns with general radiation protection principles, emphasizing the importance of shielding and minimizing exposure in all circumstances.