Evaluation of the risk of occupational radiological exposure in the dental structures of the municipality of Oran

Abstract

Abstract Introduction - The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors related to occupational radiological exposure in dentistry of the municipality of Oran, during radiodiagnostic and interventional procedures. Methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the level of dental facilities in the commune of Oran, from November 2017 to February 2018. It involved 198 manipulators working in the private and public sectors. During an actual radiological procedure, dosimetric measurements were recorded. According to a standard protocol, points were targeted for the placement of dosimeters. The dosimeters were placed in the left pocket (thorax) to record the whole-body dose, in the manipulator's hand and in the eye (a biologically highly radiosensitive organ). The dosimeters used were previously calibrated. Results -The recorded doses exceeded the regulatory tolérable limit in 43 out of 198 manipulators. The position of the manipulators in relation to the radiological devices noticed in the sector of activity an OR of 2.76 [1.09-6.99], the sex with an OR of 2.48 [1.18-5.19], the seniority (less than 10 years) with an OR of 1.99 [0.99-4.02] and the age (less than 36 years) with an OR of 0.55 [0.28-1.12] ,were significantly related to the risk of radiological exposure. The use of the angulator, but without leaving the danger zone, exposed the handlers to the risk of radiation exposure. Conclusion - The assessment presented contributed to the identification of the risk factors of radiological exposure observed in dentistry of the commune of Oran. These results encourage us to make dentists aware of the use of radiation protection means in order to reduce the health risks associated with ionizing radiation.

Keywords

• Risk factors
• Radiation exposure
• X-rays
• dentists