EVALUATION OF THYROID RADIATION DOSE USING CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) became common in various dental specialties over the past decade. This technology is used by dental professionals regarding the investigation of maxillofacial structures. Due to the diagnostic quality and possibility of 3D view, this method has become an additional method of human exposure to ionizing radiation. This study aims to evaluate the amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by thyroid gland using CBCT. Measurements were performed by LiF dosimeters (TLD-100), positioned on a phantom for head and neck, which was irradiated by Newtom 3G-CBCT. The average of phantom surface radiation dose at the thyroid gland was 0.48 mGy. The data obtained during this study are suitable to reference values; therefore, it is important to recall that the as low as reasonably achievable principle must be applied in all procedures, thereby safeguarding the patient and also the professional.