Compliance of dentists with safety standards of dental radiology

Abstract

Objectives: To carry out a survey among dentists to assess the awareness about radiation protection, attitude of the practitioner toward radiation protection, methods of radiation protection being used, and type of radiographic equipment being used in dental practice. Materials and Methods: A research was conducted among 1000 dentists who were using dental radiology. A review of literature of several articles related to the research was done. After analysis of these articles was done, a 33 question-long questionnaire was prepared. The questionnaire was then distributed among the dentists. The dentists were informed about the anonymous processing of the questionnaires. Once the questionnaires were completed, they were collected in person, the answers were tabulated, and were then sent for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 1394 dentists were approached for this study; however, only 1000 dentists returned our questionnaire. The overall correct knowledge of dentists regarding safety standards of dental radiology was found to be 29.9%. The overall correct attitude of dentists regarding safety standards of dental radiology was found to be 76.3%. The overall correct practice of dentists regarding safety standards of dental radiology was found to be 19.8%. Conclusion: On the basis of the result of the study conducted, we concluded that the dentists should be made aware about the adverse effects of radiation exposure, and as the overall compliance of the dentist is low, Continuing Dental Education programs should be conducted in order to educate dentists who are already using X-ray machines and to keep them updated with the latest technology.

Keywords

• Atomic Energy Radiation Board regulations
• quality assurance
• radiation protection
• survey