Heavy lead X-ray aprons at dentist may do more harm than good, experts say 01:06. BOSTON - The protective aprons used during dental X-rays may be doing more harm than good.

The use of lead abdominal aprons or thyroid collars on patients during dental X-rays is no longer recommended, according to the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs.

They say using lead aprons provides no benefit and might even inadvertently expose people to higher radiation levels. But the policy about-face is moving slowly. Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune.

Nationwide Children's announced in late January that it would no longer require the use of an X-ray shield, also known as a lead apron, beginning March 1 for its nearly 170,000 yearly images.

The nation's largest dental association said Thursday it will no longer recommend the use of lead aprons and thyroid collars on patients who are getting dental X-rays.

The nation's largest dental association said Thursday it will no longer recommend the use of lead aprons and thyroid collars on patients who are getting dental X-rays.