Dear RDH:
About a year ago, a letter was published from a hygienist who was having pain as a result of the strain placed on her muscles from the work we do.
My sister works as an X-ray technologist at a local hospital. I have complained to her over the years about how heavy our lead aprons are that we drape over our patients. She came home one day and told me about a new featherweight lead apron that the radiologists at the hospital were ordering. She gave me the paperwork and, to my dismay, there was nothing that resembled what we use.
To make a long story short, I called the company and spoke with the owner. He was gracious enough to custom make a dental apron for me out of the featherweight material. I have been using it for a week and just love it. I feel it would really benefit hygienists who are in pain. (I would recommend it even for those who are not in pain.)
I cannot help but wonder if these heavy aprons have been the culprit for a lot of the pain dental professionals have experienced over the years.
I discussed the protection the apron provided because it is so thin. I knew if the radiologists at the hospitals were wearing them, they have to meet the specifications. The owner told me the aprons provided protection to 100 KVP and this is with direct radiation (the protection the apron provides to the patient is from indirect radiation).
I hope other hygineists will order this apron. It cost me $70 and was worth every penny. I only wish I had known about it years ago. I would like to thank Gordy Boyce for making this for me. If anyone is interested in ordering these aprons, his number is (800) 397-9729.
Janice Cox, RDH
Hopewell, Virginia
