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Category: Pregnancy & Work

Asked by Jen435

Q: Taking xrays and working around nitrous oxide

I'm currently working as a dental assistant. My dentist has been great with me sine I've started there and even when he found out I was pregnant he has been taking the xrays in the office for me to protect the baby. He is also looking into possibly hiring another da to help me as my pregnancy progesses so I can take it easy. This job is part-time and I am a registered dental hygienist due to the decline in positions available I haven't been able to find a dh position job. Well I was filling in for the receptionist at my dental office this week and asked a lady if she knew of any temp positions or dh positions available anywhere. Well long and behold she found me a dh position for one day a week which happens to be my day off. I have an interview weds and just learned on there website that they use nitrous oxide and the dh takes rays in the office. What should I do? Is there a professional way to handle this situation? I want the job but I don't want the risk of a miscarriage?

This question was asked Mar. 17, 2012 3:48am
Category: Pregnancy & Work

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Answers (2)

Answered by adams033 - Mar. 20, 2012 12:18am
I am in my last month of dental school to be a DDS and 28 weeks pregnant. Here's the scoop... I can take Xrays as long as I am more than 6 feet away (minimum). I can't hold the sensor/film or stand in the room while a pan is being taken.
Nitrous oxide can cause spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). You should not be around it. The school I go to does not allow me in the surgical department because so much nitrous is in use. They have scavenger systems to collect excess Nitrous, but patients will exhale it into the room air. I would stay clear. Talk to your OB for any clarification.

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Answered by kmr555 - Mar. 17, 2012 2:53pm
I'm a dental hygienist and have taken x-rays the entire time. As long as you stay far enough away from the rays (put wall between you and patient, walk at least 6m away,etc...), it's fine. I don't work in an office with nitrous, but maybe see if the patients who require it can be booked on days you are not there so a least you are not directly exposed. Hope this helps and good luck!

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