Final answer:
Optimizing the source-to-table distance in fixed/stationary fluoroscopy is essential to minimize radiation exposure, alongside using shielding and fast films to limit exposure time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The source-to-table distance in fixed/stationary fluoroscopy must be optimized to reduce radiation exposure to the patient while maintaining image quality. To physically limit radiation doses, important measures such as shielding, increasing the distance from the source, and limiting the time of exposure to radiation are employed. Utilizing a lead apron and surrounding the X-ray tube with shielding helps to minimize exposure to non-targeted tissue. Additionally, fast films are employed to decrease the exposure time needed to obtain clear images, consequently reducing the dose to the imaged tissue. Notably, in dental fluoroscopy, technicians protect themselves by standing behind a lead-lined door with a lead glass window, which significantly reduces occupational exposure to radiation.