Final answer:
True, both sensors for direct digital radiography and phosphor plates for indirect digital radiography must be covered with protective sheaths to prevent contamination and ensure safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that sensors used with direct digital radiography should be covered with barrier sheaths before use to avoid sensor contamination is true. Similarly, phosphor plates used with indirect digital radiography should also be covered with an infection control barrier before use. This practice ensures both patient and dental technician safety by preventing potential contamination. In addition to these precautions, protective measures such as shielding with materials like a lead apron, maintaining a safe distance, and limiting exposure time during x-ray procedures are critical to reduce radiation exposure. With advances in technology, such as faster films, the doses from most medical diagnostics have significantly decreased, reflecting improvements in radiographic efficiency and safety.