If absolutely necessary, who should be asked to hold the image receptor in place for the patient with physical disabilities?

a. The patient's caregiver or guardian
b. The dentist or doctor of the practice
c. Another dental office employee (receptionist, office manager, etc.)
d. The radiographer, while another team member pushes the exposure button.

a. If the patient cannot hold still, a caregiver or family member may need to help steady the patient. The assistant must be offered protective barriers such as lead/lead-equivalent gloves, aprons, or shields. No member of the oral health care practice team should ever hold the image receptor in the patient's mouth during the x-ray exposure.