Assessment of radiation dose for dental workers in Saudi Arabia (2015–2019)

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to estimate the annual average effective dose for dental workers in Saudi Arabia from the period of 2015 to 2019. Also, to compare the average annual effective doses received with the International Commission of Radiological Protection limits. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on radiation doses for 2,128 dental workers. Their radiation doses were monitored by using Thermoluminescent dosimeters. Results: The annual average effective dose was in the ranges of 0.44–1.04 mSv. A two-tailed independent samples t-test (α = 0.05) was used to compare the means of the effective doses for dentists and dental nurses. There was not enough evidence to conclude that dentists’ scores (M = 0.79, SD = 0.49) were any different from dental nurses’ scores (M = 0.77, SD = 0.46), t (2126) = 0.58, p = 0.55. Conclusions: The annual average effective dose, averaged over the five years, was found to be 0.72 mSv. All of the workers received occupational doses below the annual effective dose limit. These results of annual mean effective doses are a good indicator of dental radiation safety practices in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

• Occupational dose
• Radiation dosimetry
• Effective dose
• Dental workers