Final answer:
Dental team members can reduce their exposure to dental unit water by using protective shielding, fast films to shorten exposure times, and standing behind protective barriers during x-ray procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dental team members can reduce their exposure to the dental unit water through several strategies. Primarily, using shielding such as lead aprons, and positioning protective barriers like lead-lined doors and windows can significantly diminish exposure. Figure 32.7 and Figure 32.10 illustrate such practices, where a lead apron is placed over the dental patient and shielding surrounds the x-ray tube to limit exposure to tissue not being imaged. Additionally, using fast films for dental x-rays can limit the time needed to capture images, thus reducing the exposure time. To further minimize occupational exposure, the technician should stand a few meters away behind a protective barrier whenever possible.