Our Patients have Asked if There a Risk of Thyroid Cancer from Dental Xrays? We believe there is no risk and want to provide information to back up our answer. An April 25, 2011 article in the New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/health/26brody.html, discusses this issue. Although the article states that Swedish studies found that there was no connection to cancer, it does suggest that you should see a dentist who uses digital xrays, which deliver much less radiation that film xrays of the past. Our office has not used film xrays in over 7 years. In conclusion, the article states: “It is simply not possible to detect all dental decay without X-rays, and missing hidden decay could result in the need for a root canal or extraction of the tooth. “ Although we do not feel a thyroid shield is necessary, for those who feel safer with one, we do have one in the office, so please ask us.