Radiological safety perspectives among undergraduate dental students, interns, and dental assistant certificate students at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Dental imaging accounts for <1% of human exposure to ionizing radiation from of all types of medical imaging. Radiation-induced damage to cells has deterministic and stochastic consequences. The international commision for radiological protection recommends that any radiographic examination must be justified. However, studies measuring dental assistant (DA) knowledge and attitude towards radiation protection measures are lacking. Aim: Our study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes toward radiation protection measures among clinical dental students, interns, and DA certificate students. Settings and Design: The study was a cross-sectional observational analytical online questionnaire-based study. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire distributed over undergraduate students, DA certificate students, and dental interns. Statistical Analysis: Stata/BE 18.0 for Mac was used, Chi-square tests with a P < 0.05 indicating a significant difference in knowledge between groups. Results: A questionnaire was distributed to 203 of the participants. The average overall correct responses 46.14%. However, the DA student average correct answers were 38.71%. Conclusion: Students must improve their knowledge about radiation protective measures through educational sessions or pamphlets, particularly the DA. Radiology lectures should cover new safety precautions such as as low as diagnostically acceptable, shielding, and radiation to pregnant mothers, while incorporating national guidelines and recommendations.

Keywords

• as low as diagnostically acceptable
• as low as reasonably achievable
• dental assistant
• lead wall
• radiation protection
• radiation safety
• thyroid collar