K. Ghazikhanlousani, A. Eskandarlou,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In recent decades many guidelines has been conducted by radiation protection organizations about radiation protection in dentistry. This study was designed to evaluate the observance of these guidelines in educational clinics of all dental schools in Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study a questionnaire based on National Radiation Protection guidelines was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of questions about radiation protection principles in dental radiography that is needed for patients and personnel protection and quality control of radiological instruments. The questionnaires were completed by the responsible person of each radiology department of dental schools (18 schools). After gathering the data, the results were compared with radiation protection standards.
Results: There was proper condition in the case of the existence of radiation protection facilities, such as lead apron, thyroid shield and lead impacted walls. However, personnel rarely use these facilities. Usage of high speed films and existence of automatic processor in dental schools was an appreciable point. The main problem was related to the lack of regular quality control programs.
Conclusion: The observance of radiation protection regulations in radiology departments of dental schools was proper. But majority of departments had no regular quality control programs and the use of digital systems in dental radiography was not common.
Saeed Vahid Tazeh Kand, Asie Eftekhari,
Volume 33, Issue 3 (10-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Radiography is one of the most important para-clinical methods in diagnosing and selecting treatment in dentistry. Due to the potential dangers of X-rays for patients, the professional responsibility of the dentist requires that unnecessary radiographs to be avoided. The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness of dentists in Zanjan about the principles of radiation protection in 2019.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 107 general dentists and specialists working in Zanjan and the questionnaires were distributed among them. The level of awareness of dentists in 27 questions of radiographic prescribing questionnaire was evaluated and in each of the mentioned questions, their gender, age, work experience, participation in retraining, having X-ray machine in the field of dentistry and type of activity were evaluated. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test, Independent T-test, and ANOVA using SPSS software version 22.
Results: The results showed that the level of knowledge of general dentists about the principles of radiation protection (14.35±3.08) was lower than that of specialized dentists (17.19±2.35). Those who participated in retraining workshops (13.85±2.99) had less knowledge than those who did not (15.97±3.97), which was statistically significant (P<0.05); However, there was no significant difference in the dentists' knowledge about the principles of radiation protection based on gender, age, type of activity, having an X-ray machine at the place of treatment, and history of clinical experience (P≥0.05).
Conclusion: Awareness of dentists at various levels was moderate. Therefore, designing and holding more purposeful retraining courses to maintain and improve the level of awareness of dentists according to the guidelines provided by the authorities, still seems to be necessary.
Ali Najarchi, Maryam Mohebiniya, Mohsen Shamsi,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Given the risks of repeated exposure to ionizing radiation in dentistry and its potential adverse effects on the health of patients, staff, and students, adherence to radiation protection principles is a fundamental priority in this profession. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practice, and behavioral predictors of dental students at Arak University of Medical Sciences regarding the radiation protection principles in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted as a census on 120 dental students during October 2024 to March 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included sections on demographic information, knowledge assessment (maximum score: 20), attitudes (maximum score: 55), and practice (maximum score: 16). The questionnaire used was a revised version of a standard instrument, the validity (CVR=0.62, CVI=0.79) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha >0.7 for all sections) of which were measured and confirmed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS27, with analytical tests including the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman’s correlation, and predictive practice with asses test of linear regression.
Results: The number of 120 students with mean age of participants 23.59 ± 3.13 old years and 51.7% were male. The mean scores were as follows: knowledge (9.69 ± 2.51), attitude (27.88 ± 3.05), and practice (12.60 ± 1.06). A significant difference in knowledge was observed between the male and female students (P=0.035), which the male students’ scoring was higher. No significant differences were found in the attitude or practice between genders (P>0.05). Factors such as place of residence (dormitory or non dormitory), prior radiation protection training, age, GPA, and admission year showed no significant association with the knowledge, attitude, or practice (P>0.05). Based on the regression model, the greatest predictors of student performance were age (R2=0.247, P=0.015) and grade point average (R2=0.282, P=0.003).
Conclusion: While academic training effectively imparts knowledge of radiation protection, translating this knowledge into practical performance remains moderate and thus, highlighting the need for advanced hands-on training courses.
