European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ORAL X-RAY SAFETY STANDARDS ADOPTED BY GENERAL DENTISTS PRACTICING IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR)

Anas Eteiwi Alrawili*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: With the advancement of diagnostic techniques, the use of radiological examination has increased many times over the past two decades. Ionizing radiation from radiographic examination carries the potential to cause harm by generating carcinogens in addition to the extracted diagnostic information. The dose of radiation used during dental treatment can be low for individual visits, but patients often have multiple follow-up visits and many are exposed during dental treatment. Therefore, radiation protection and safety guidelines should be followed by dentists to ensure minimal and unavoidable exposure. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and behavior of general dentists practicing in the National Capital Region (NCR) regarding radiation protection during radiographic procedures oral teeth. Materials and methods: This study was a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire. A total of 500 general dentists were contacted to participate in the study. The target population includes general dentists practicing in the National Capital Region. Data were calculated and tabulated in Microsoft Excel tables and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: The total recovered response rate was 70.6% and respondents were 59% and 41% male and female respectively. Only 64.8% of general dentists consider the thyroid the most important organ for radiation protection. New 28.8% of general dentists follow the rules of position and spacing reasonably. Conclusion: The results show that the knowledge and behavior of general dentists and the practices adopted by them in terms of radiation protection are inadequate. To ensure compliance with the basic and necessary guidelines on radiation protection and radiation protection, state boards need to implement strict rules with sanctions and apply educational methods. Exciting new education for the spectrum of the field.

Keywords: The target population includes general dentists practicing in the National Capital Region.