Pregnancy

Pregnancy Advisement for Radiation Exposure Risk and Accommodation

This disclosure is applicable to all educational programs that include exposure to radiation. These programs include, but may not be limited to, Dental Assisting and Radiography.

 Radiation protection standards and scientific studies have shown that with proper radiation protection, the student may be safe throughout the term of the pregnancy. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NCRP) is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit, public service organization with status as an educational and scientific body. NCRP published Regulatory Guide 8.13 as a guideline for information to persons who are pregnant and working with radiation. The NCRP guidelines are used in this advisement to provide information and promote safety. 

 ACC does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex, including based on pregnancy or related conditions. Appendix C of the Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy and procedures provides specific details related to pregnancy and related conditions and is located on the ACC website. If a student is or becomes pregnant, or is experiencing related conditions, they are entitled to contact the Title IX Coordinator or the designated Deputy Title IX Coordinator to request accommodation. 

 This information is provided for informational purposes to advise students of the risks associated with prenatal radiation exposure, allow students to make informed decisions and decide on whether they desire to declare their pregnancy or request accommodation.

1.  In accordance with the NCRP guidelines:
   1. Students are permitted to declare their pregnancy, or not, at any time.
   2. Students may also withdraw their declaration of pregnancy (undeclare) at any time.
   3. The declaration of pregnancy is intended to allow for accommodation of lower dose limits for the embryo/fetus.
   4. The choice whether to declare a pregnancy is completely voluntary.
   5. Students that declare a pregnancy may continue in the program without any modification to didactic and clinical education course requirements. 
2. A student may voluntarily declare their pregnancy by notifying the Program Director in writing. Making a declaration of pregnancy alone does not change the student's educational program or schedule. 
        a. If the student chooses to voluntarily declare their pregnancy, they will be automatically provided with               the following precautionary measures to monitor and limit prenatal exposure as recommended by                   the NCRP:
                 i. Acc will implement safety measures to prevent the embryo/fetus from receiving more than 500                       millirem (5 mSV) during the term of the pregnancy.
                 ii. The student will wear an additional radiation dosimeter at waist level under the protective leaded                      apron shielding.
                 iii. As in all radiography, the "As Low As Reasonably Achievevable (ALARA)" principles will be                                 adhered to throughout the pregnancy.
3. If the student chooses not to declare a pregnancy, undeclares a pregnancy, or does not request accommodation, there will be no further action by the Program Director or other school officials. 
   
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