Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about radiation safety among the undergraduates in Eastern province dental college

Abstract

Background Despite the fact that X-rays have a direct or indirect effect on tissues, imaging techniques have become an important part of modern dentistry, and dentists rely on them for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This necessitates that dentists have adequate expertise and attitude in order to defend themselves and their patients. Aim The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of clinical side dental students and General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) regarding dental radiation protection safety protocol. Study Design It is a prospective cross-section study among dental undergraduates and GDPs. Materials and Methods One hundred and sixteen participants took part in this study and comprised 116 clinical side dental students and GDPs. Participants' data were gathered through a questionnaire that asked about their knowledge and practice of radiation biology, danger, and protection. Collected data subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS 21. Pearson Chi-square test was done to evaluate the statistical significance. The P value fixed at ≤ 0.05 for significant. Results From 116 participants, around 89.7%% of the participants believed that dental X-rays are harmful and 81% are having knowledge about annual radiation dose limit for a dentist, and overall, 56% of the participants were aware about the harmful effects of radiation exposure. Conclusion There is a need to expand the curriculum to provide better exposure to radiation protection and its practice so that these students on graduation will be well-grounded with the principle governing dental radiography.