Imaging Sci Dent.  2013 Dec;43(4):253-259. 10.5624/isd.2013.43.4.253.

Insights into the state of radiation protection among a subpopulation of Indian dental practitioners

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, India.
  • 2Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, India. drrajeshgrao@gmail.com

Abstract

PURPOSE
Radiographs is an integral part of patient management in dentistry, despite their detrimental effects. As the literature pertaining to radiation protection among Indian dental practitioners is sparse, exploring such protection is needed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All private dental practitioners in Mangalore, India were included in the study. A structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was employed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, previous training, perceptions towards the need to spread awareness, and willingness to gain and implement knowledge about radiation hazards and protection. Information regarding each respondent's age, gender, education, and type and duration of practice was collected.
RESULTS
Overall, 87 out of 120 practitioners participated in the study. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 9.54+/-2.54, 59.39+/-7.01, and 5.80+/-3.19, respectively. Overall, 25.3% of the respondents had undergone training in radiation protection, 98.9% perceived a need to spread awareness, and 94.3% were willing to improve their knowledge. Previous training showed a significant correlation with age, sex, and duration of practice; attitude was significantly correlated with education and type of practice; and knowledge scores showed a significant correlation with type of practice.
CONCLUSION
Although the knowledge and practices of respondents were poor, they had a positive attitude and were willing to improve their knowledge. Age, sex, and duration of practice were associated with previous training; education and type of practice with attitude scores; and type of practice with knowledge scores. The findings of this study suggest a policy is needed to ensure the adherence of dental practitioners to radiation protection guidelines.

Keyword

Radiation Protection; X-rays; General Practice, Dental; Demographic Factors

MeSH Terms

Demography
Dentistry
Education
General Practice, Dental
Humans
India
Radiation Protection*
Surveys and Questionnaires

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