Dental materials and radiology basics: radiation safety: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dentistry · Dental materials and radiology basics: radiation safety

Sample item

A pregnant woman in her second trimester has a toothache and needs a periapical radiograph. Which statement is correct?

AIt is safe only after deliveryBIt requires termination of pregnancy planningCIt is acceptable with a lead apron and collimation as the fetal dose is negligibleDIt is absolutely contraindicated

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. It is acceptable with a lead apron and collimation as the fetal dose is negligible

Dental radiographs deliver a very low dose to the fetus, particularly with collimation and a lead apron. Necessary imaging for diagnosis should not be withheld.

Option by option

A. It is safe only after delivery
Untreated dental infection is more harmful than delay.
B. It requires termination of pregnancy planning
The dose is far below any level that would justify such advice.
C. It is acceptable with a lead apron and collimation as the fetal dose is negligible (correct)
Correct. The fetal dose is negligible with shielding.
D. It is absolutely contraindicated
It is not contraindicated if clinically necessary.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, It is acceptable with a lead apron and collimation as the fetal dose is negligible. Dental radiographs deliver a very low dose to the fetus, particularly with collimation and a lead apron.

Why is "It is safe only after delivery" not the answer?

Untreated dental infection is more harmful than delay.

Why is "It requires termination of pregnancy planning" not the answer?

The dose is far below any level that would justify such advice.

Why is "It is absolutely contraindicated" not the answer?

It is not contraindicated if clinically necessary.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental materials and radiology basics: radiation safety in Dentistry. Necessary imaging for diagnosis should not be withheld.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Dental materials and radiology basics: radiation safety?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.