An estimation of somatic hazards to the United States population from dental radiography.

Recently, data have become available pertaining both to the estimated somatic hazard from exposure of populations to low doses of ionizing radiation and to the extent of exposure resulting from dental radiography. This has made possible an estimation of the somatic hazard to the United States population from dental radiography. It is concluded that the greatest risk of lethality would result from induction of leukemia, but that the actual hazard is probably quite low. It is advised that all procedures which will reduce the radiation exposure to the patient consistent with diagnostic requirements should be employed in order to minimize the potential risk.