Flemish general dental practitioners' knowledge of dental radiology

Assessing the Adherence to Safety Protocol Among Personnel Working in the Dental Radiology Department: A Qualitative Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Implementing recommended radiation safety protocols in the radiology departments is crucial for the safety of the working personnel, patients, and environment. Similarly, adherence and continuous monitoring are essential, and few studies have been conducted in dental radiology settings regarding the occupational safety of employees. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the knowledge and adherence of personnel to safety protocol in the dental radiology department.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The questionnaire-based study was conducted in a dental institute involving the relevant staff and students, consisting of 25 participants including radiographers (a technician, faculty, and postgraduates) and auxiliary staff. The 14-element questionnaire with questions on radiation exposure, hazards, safety protocols, protective devices, and infrastructure was given to study participants, and data was obtained.

RESULTS

Overall, the responses to the questionnaire were favorable in terms of awareness or knowledge of participants about radiation protection and protection devices. Notably, 71.4 % (15) of the participants agreed that they consistently wear PPDs, and 86.5% (18) agreed that the radiology operatory is well-equipped concerning radiation safety measures. On the whole, the responses to the questionnaire were encouraging from the auxiliary staff in terms of radiation protection awareness.

CONCLUSION

The perception of study participants provides valuable insight to enhance the adherence to radiation safety protocol in the institutes. The study demonstrated that most participants revealed adequate knowledge of radiation exposure hazards, the need for personnel protection, and adherence to radiation safety protocol. This study would serve as the pilot project and may provide a platform for further multicenter studies to be carried out.

Exposure and protection protocols of dentomaxillofacial imaging applied by paediatric dentists in Europe

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate exposure and protection practices regarding dentomaxillofacial imaging among pediatric dentists in Europe and determine the effect of different clinician specific characteristics on their implementation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involving an electronic questionnaire addressed to paediatric dentists, participating in a seminar on dental radiology organized by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Participants were asked to respond to questions regarding dentomaxillofacial imaging in terms of applied radiation dose, adoption of radiation protection techniques, and different patterns of radiographic studying and exchange between patients and colleagues. Data analysis was performed and distribution of responses was tested using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

A total of 151 paediatric dentists, 119 females and 32 males, with a mean chronological age of 42.8 years (s.e. 11.3 years), successfully completed the questionnaire (response rate = 82%). Regardless of the type of radiograph, majority of respondents (68%), reported that they perform the radiographs themselves, while 21% reported that they refer the patients. Half of the respondents (51%), indicated requesting a small (localized) field of view (FOV) when referring for a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with only a small proportion (11%) reporting a large (maxillofacial) FOV. Thyroid collars and optimizing exposure settings were the most commonly reported patient protection measures used. Lastly, paediatric dentists have adopted the latest technological capacities for the study of dental images.

CONCLUSIONS

Dentomaxillofacial imaging protection and exposure protocols used are common among paediatric dentists with none of their specific characteristics having a significant effect.

Awareness and practice of dentomaxillofacial imaging among paediatric dentists: a questionnaire survey of members of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry

OBJECTIVES

Assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of paediatric dentists towards dentomaxillofacial imaging and correlate findings with practitioner and practice-specific characteristics.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was sent to all paediatric dentists who attended a scientific seminar organized by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) regarding dental radiology. Data regarding available equipment, number, type and reason for performing radiographs, frequency and reasoning for retakes were collected. Data analysis was performed according to practitioner- and practice-specific characteristics and factors directly associated with the type and frequency of radiographs taken, and reason and frequency of repeats were determined. Significant differences were tested using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

More than half of the participants (58%) reported having digital radiographic equipment and almost 1/4 (23%) conventional. A panoramic equipment was available in 39% working places and a CBCT scanner in 41%. Two thirds of the participants reported taking up to 10 intra-oral radiographs per week, mainly for trauma (75%) and caries diagnosis (47%). Extra-oral radiographs were prescribed to monitor development (75%) and for orthodontic evaluation, (63%) with a frequency of less than 5 weekly (45%). Participants reported that they repeat radiographs in a frequency of < 5 per week (70%) mainly due to patient's movement (55%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of paediatric dentists within Europe use digital imaging equipment for both intra- and extra-oral radiographs. Nevertheless, great variation in practices exists and, therefore, continuous education in oral imaging is crucial to maintain high quality standards for the radiographic examination of patients.

The Performance of Paralleling Technique and Bisecting Angle Technique for Taking Periapical Radiographs: A Systematic Review

Periapical radiography is a routine radiographic procedure performed by dentists on a daily basis. It can be taken with two techniques, the paralleling technique (P tech) and the bisecting angle technique (B tech). This systematic review aimed to identify the relevant literature, compare the use of P and B techs across various dental specialties, and determine the most appropriate technique to be used for different purposes in taking periapical radiographs. In January 2023, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify the studies that compared the two radiographic techniques. The search string was: (paralleling AND ("bisecting angle" OR "bisected angle")). Manual reference tracing was also performed to identify the studies potentially missed. After screening, 26 studies were included for the qualitative review. The 26 included studies were published between 1976 and 2021. Ten of the studies were about general dentistry (dental radiology in general applications), whereas another ten studies were related to endodontics, such as working length estimation. Most studies advocated the use of the P tech for general, endodontics, implantology, and other indications. B tech was advocated for patients with a low palatal height. More future studies are needed to evaluate their performance in different scenarios with standardized equipment and radiographic positioning.

Dental radiology reporting status and recording frequency of reporting items in Korea

Purpose

This study investigated the current dental radiology reporting methods and the recording rate of 10 mandatory reporting items in Korea.

Materials and Methods

An original online survey created using Google Forms was distributed to dental practitioners. The survey asked about the participants' age, experience, workplace, use of radiologic equipment, radiology reporting methods, and recording reporting items.

Results

In total, 354 responses were analyzed. Radiologic reporting in dental charts was the most commonly used method for each modality. Four out of 10 mandatory items were recorded at a high rate, but the remaining 6 items had substantially lower recording rates, often below 50%. The participants who reported radiographic findings through other separate methods had higher item scores than those who wrote findings in dental charts (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Radiologic societies and dental associations should encourage the use of separate reports for radiographic examinations. Education regarding radiology reports and the justification for reporting items should be reinforced in dental schools, training courses on radiology, and the continuing education curriculum.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Digital Imaging and Cone Beam Computed Tomography among Dental Practitioners in North Karnataka, India

INTRODUCTION

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has one of the most important roles for diagnosis in dentistry.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and awareness toward the scope of digital imaging and CBCT, among dental practitioners in North Karnataka regions such as Bidar and Raichur city.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire study was carried out among 200 dental practitioners of North Karnataka (Bidar and Raichur). A specially designed structured questionnaire (13 in number) was administered to assess the knowledge of digital imaging and CBCT. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient test, and any P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 200 dentists were selected for the study, among which 93.5% were reported that digital imaging is the most useful method compared to conventional method. About 91.0% of the dentists were aware of CBCT. Of 91.5% of the dentists preferred CBCT for three-dimensional imaging in the head and neck region. Among all, majority of dentists reported that all types of radiography will be used in digital imaging (45.0%).

CONCLUSION

The current study showed that knowledge of dentist regarding digital imaging and CBCT was not satisfactory; therefore, participants require an understanding of the concepts behind CBCT and related technologies, making appropriate training essential for every member of the dental team.

Intraoral Radiographic Processing Skills among Dentists in Saudi Arabia

AIM: The present study was designed to investigate use of intraoral radiographic techniques (conventional and digital) among general dental practitioners (GDP) in Saudi Arabia with focus on its availability in workplace, ease of the technique, and the recommended technique to be taught during undergraduate based on individual experience. METHODS: A questioner in form of a Google sheet was designed concerning demographic data, country, district, university, year of graduation, availability of radiographic technique available in workplace, which technique learned during undergraduate study, and which technique should teach during undergraduate study based on individual experience. A GDP list was developed from different dental groups on social media. The questioner was sent to the GDP list and to improve the response rate, telephone calls were made in advance to all expected participants. RESULTS: About 62.2% of participants were graduated within past 5 years, the most common dental X-ray processing technique learned during undergraduate study was the digital and conventional (both theoretical and practical) in 47.6% of participants followed by conventional (theoretical and practical) technique in 21% participants. Based on their work experience, 74.8% of participants preferred both digital and conventional techniques should be taught in dental Saudi Universities/Colleges while, the digital method was preferred by 21%. CONCLUSION: However, intraoral digital radiographic technique is widely available in most regions in Saudi Arabia; it is recommended to teach both intraoral digital and conventional radiographic techniques during undergraduate study.

Awareness and practice of 2D and 3D diagnostic imaging among dentists in Hong Kong

Aims To investigate the awareness and practice of 2D and 3D diagnostic imaging, including respective equipment, specifications, number of images acquired, indications for CBCT scans, preference between 2D and 3D imaging, and the confidence in acquiring and interpreting radiographic images among dentists in Hong Kong.Materials and methods A citywide survey was performed with an online questionnaire that was sent via the local dental association to registered dentists in Hong Kong. The anonymous survey focused on: their dental background; number, type and age of their intra-oral, panoramic devices; CBCT indications, field-of-view and consideration of low-dose protocols; and their confidence in taking and interpreting these images.Results From the feedback collected, 65% of dentists used digital intra-oral systems. Around 70% of respondents who perform CBCTs utilised low-dose protocols to reduce radiation dose. Age and years of practising dentistry were significant influencing factors in determining dentists' utilisation of low-dose protocols for CBCT devices. Male dentists and dentists with higher qualifications generally reported being more confident in taking and interpreting CBCT images. Dentists who were older and had more years of practising dentistry were generally more confident in interpreting CBCT images.Conclusion Only half of the dentists feel confident in taking and interpreting CBCT images, and there seems to be a limited knowledge of radiation dose-related risks. Therefore, continuous professional education should specifically focus on the potential of digital imaging and training in CBCT modalities, radiation dose protection and image interpretation.

Simulation of three intraoral radiographic techniques in pediatric dental patients: subjective comfort assessment using the VAS and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Raiting Scale

BACKGROUND

Perception of pain associated with intraoral radiography in pediatric patients was evaluated through statistical comparisons of data obtained using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Raiting Scale (WBFPRS) and visual analog scale (VAS) scoring.

METHODS

A total of 75 pediatric patients aged 6-12 years were included in this study. Simulations of each of three radiological methods (analog films, CCD sensor and phosphorus plates) were performed on 25 pediatric patients. Following the simulations, the meaning of each facial expression on the WBFPRS and the numbers on the VAS were explained to each child. For the comparison between groups, the homogeneity of the variances was tested with Levene's test; because the variances were not homogeneous, Welch's test was used. Tamhane's T2 test was used because the homogeneity assumption was not provided to determine the source of the difference between the groups.

RESULTS

When the conventional method was compared to the PSPL (photostimulable phosphor luminescence) method, no significant differences were noted in either the WBFPRS or VAS results (p >0.05). The results obtained from both of the scales were significantly different between the conventional method and the CCD sensor method (p < 0.05). When the PSPL and CCD sensors were compared, a significant difference was observed for the WBFPRS (p < 0.05). It was found the highest level of pain scores when used the CCD sensor method than the analog film and PSPL methods (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It is expected that digital radiographic techniques will be improved in the future and that their disadvantages will be eliminated, resulting in imaging devices that are more comfortable for pediatric patients.

Comparison of the accuracy of CBCT effective radiation dose information in peer-reviewed journals and dental media

Accessible sources of clinical information have proliferated over the past decade. Although these new sources that contextualize information for practice are user friendly, there are questions about their accuracy because much of the material is not peer reviewed. On the other hand, traditional peer-reviewed material can be somewhat removed from the needs of practicing dentists, and recently questions have been raised about the accuracy of journals. This study assessed the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiation safety information in both professional media and peer-reviewed journals. Articles introducing CBCT technology to dentists and published in peer-reviewed journals were compared to articles appearing in professional magazines, clinically oriented news sites, and blogs written by clinicians for clinicians. The reported radiation doses of CBCT and conventional dental radiographs were recorded, as were conclusions about the comparative doses of these 2 imaging modalities. The proportion of articles reporting CBCT dose to be greater than, equal to, or less than that of conventional dental radiographs was not different between the peer-reviewed and professional media articles during the period 2003-2016. There is weak evidence that the conclusions of peer-reviewed journal articles, but not professional media sources, became more conservative after the 2010 publication of an article in The New York Times that was critical of misinformation concerning the safety and efficacy of CBCT in dentistry. Professional media articles that were not peer reviewed were as accurate as peer-reviewed journals for this topic and during the time period assessed. However, the method used here necessitated a narrow focus, and more studies are needed to broaden understanding.

Dentists' use of digital radiographic techniques: Part II - extraoral radiography: a questionnaire study of Swedish dentists

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to gain knowledge about the dentist's use and choice of digital extraoral imaging methods, panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire sent to 2481 dentists within the Swedish Dental Society contained questions about the panoramic technique and CBCT technique used, education, clinic size and type of service. The response rate was 53%.

RESULTS

The study showed that 61% of the Swedish dentists had access to panoramic techniques and that 84% used a direct digital sensor, while 6% used storage phosphor plate techniques. Around 8% of the Swedish dentists had access to CBCT. It was also observed that group practices had two times higher odds of having panoramic equipment compared with solo practices. Approximately 40% of the dentists had undergone postgraduate education in oral radiology during the last 5 years. Dental nurses and dental hygienists exposed 92% of the panoramic radiographs and 75% of the CBCTs. Thirty per cent of those clinics with access to a panoramic unit exposed >30 panoramic radiographs per month and 56% of the clinics having access to CBCT did more than 75 examinations per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Today 61% of Swedish dentists have access to panoramic radiography and 8% have access to CBCT. There is a greater likelihood of having access if the dentist works in the public dental health service or in a group practice and if the dentist has undergone any postgraduate course in oral radiology.

Investigation of radiation-protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices of North Queensland dentists

AIM

Queensland has current radiation-protection guidelines; however, with the absence of data exploring compliance and implementation, the efficacy is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes on radiation protection among private North Queensland (NQ) dentists.

METHODS

A quantitative methodology was employed in an observational and descriptive study using questionnaires for data collection.

RESULTS

Of the 154 questionnaires distributed, 63 were completed and returned. The respondents' knowledge concerning the technical details of their equipment was limited, with 31.5% and 47% not knowing the tube voltage and current utilized for their machines, respectively. In total, 23.8% of dentists had limited knowledge about the speed of the conventional film they used, 90.5% of respondents agreed that the role of imaging in dentistry is important, and 75.8% dentists reported the thyroid as the most important organ to protect during dental radiography. Their knowledge regarding position-distance rule was reasonably adequate; 80.3% of the dental practices appeared to follow the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency guidelines, 95.2% preferred taking radiographs if it was only urgent, and 69.8% identified a need for spreading awareness regarding radiation protection.

CONCLUSIONS

An opportunity and need for further continuing education was identified among NQ dentists to ensure safety of patients.

Dentomaxillofacial radiology in Australia and dentist satisfaction with radiology reports

BACKGROUND

Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (DMFR) is comprised of the smallest cohort of specialists in Australia. A survey was undertaken to assess awareness of DMFR, radiology reporting and referring protocols as well as dental practitioners' satisfaction with their radiology reporting arrangements.

METHODS

An original online survey created using Checkbox^† was sent to dental practitioners. The survey was promoted on Australian-based dental Facebook forums and emailed to targeted members via Australian professional dental associations.

RESULTS

A total of 399 responses were received, with over 80% of respondents aware of DMFR as a specialty. Approximately 40% of practitioners were self-reporting their imaging. There was correlation between increased satisfaction with external reporting and utilization of DMFR services and decreased satisfaction with medical radiology services. More than 90% of general dentists and greater than 85% of dental specialists prefer DMFR reports to medical radiology reports. Approximately 80% of practitioners believed that their satisfaction would change positively if they had access to a DMFR report.

CONCLUSION

The research indicates a high degree of self-reporting or non-reporting by dental practitioners. There is low satisfaction with external reporting performed by Medical Radiologists primarily due to a lack of dental knowledge or detail and a preference for DMF Radiology reports.

Digital dental radiology in Belgium: a nationwide survey

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to analyse the use of digital dental radiology in Belgium, by focussing on the use of extraoral and intraoral radiographic techniques, digitalisation and image communication.

METHODS

A nationwide survey has been performed amongst Belgian general dentists and dental specialists. Questionnaires were distributed digitally via mailings lists and manually on multiple refresher courses and congresses throughout the country. The overall response rate was 30%.

RESULTS

Overall, 94% of the respondents had access to an intraoral radiographic unit, 76% had access to a panoramic unit, 21% has an attached cephalometric arm. One in five Belgian dentists also seem to have direct access to a cone beam CT. 90% of all intraoral radiography unit worked with digital detectors, while this was 91% for panoramic units (with or without cephalometrics). In 70% of the cases, general dental practitioners with a digital intraoral unit used a storage phosphor plate while in 30% of the cases they used sensor technology (charge-coupled device or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor). The most common method for professional image transfer appeared to be email. Finally, 16% of all respondents used a calibrated monitor for image analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey indicates that 90% of the respondents, Belgian dentists, make use of digital image techniques. For sharing images, general dental practitioners mainly use methods such as printout and e-mail. The usage of calibrated monitors, however, is not well established yet.

Dentists' use of digital radiographic techniques: Part I - intraoral X-ray: a questionnaire study of Swedish dentists

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to gain knowledge about the dentist's use and choice of digital intraoral imaging methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire sent to 2481 dentists within the Swedish Dental Society contained questions about the type of X-ray technique used, problems experienced with digital radiography, and reasons for choosing digital technology, and about indications, clinic size and type of service. Response rate was 53%.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight percent of the dentists had made the transition to digital radiography; only 2% used film technique, and solid-state detector (SSD) was the most used digital technique. More years in service decreases the likelihood of applying individual indications for performing a full mouth examination. More retakes were done with SSDs compared to storage phosphor plates. Reasons for choosing digital techniques were that work was easier and communication with the patients improved. However, dentists also experienced problems with digital techniques, such as exposure and projection errors and inadequate image quality. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority states that all radiological examinations should be justified, something not always followed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that 98% of the respondents, Swedish dentists within the Swedish Dental Society, used digital techniques, and the most used was the solid-state technique.

Korean dentists' perceptions and attitudes regarding radiation safety and protection

OBJECTIVES

To investigate dentists' perceptions and attitudes regarding radiation safety in dental practices in Korea.

METHODS

207 dentists participated in this study. An anonymous survey was conducted regarding the following areas: years of practice, characteristics of the radiography equipment, knowledge of diagnostic reference levels, prescription of dental radiographs, use of radiation protection procedures and participation in the radiation safety program. Data were evaluated according to frequency distribution; the χ test; and Fisher's exact test, which was used to investigate statistical significances (p < 0.05) between those with less than 10 years of experience in practice vs those with 10 years of experience or more.

RESULTS

Approximately 83% of the dentists who responded to our survey participated in the radiation safety program, but only 58% were satisfied with it. There were statistically significant differences in the installation of X-ray units, learning pathway of diagnostic reference levels, prescription of dental radiography for new adult patients, use of personnel radiation monitoring systems and participation in the radiation safety program between those with less than 10 years of experience in practice vs those with 10 years of experience or more (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Dentists with less than 10 years of experience were less attentive to radiation protection procedures. Therefore, taking both the duration of experience of dentists and the installed X-ray equipment into consideration, continuous and efficient education for both dental workers and patients regarding radiation safety and protection is recommended.

Brazilian young dental practitioners' use and acceptance of digital radiographic examinations

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the use and acceptance of digital radiographic examinations by Brazilian dental practitioners in daily practice and to evaluate the advances that have occurred over the past 5 years.

Materials and Methods

Dental practitioners enrolled in extension courses at the Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Brazil, responded to a self-administered questionnaire in the years 2011 and 2015. They were asked about sociodemographic factors and their knowledge and use of digital radiographic examinations. Descriptive analysis was performed, as well as the chi-square and Fisher exact tests, with a significance level of 5% (α=0.05).

Results

A total of 181 participants responded to the questionnaire in the years 2011 and 2015. Most of the respondents worked in private practice, had graduated within the last 5 years, and were between 20 and 30 years old. In 2011, 55.6% of respondents reported having ever used digital radiographic examinations, while in 2015 this number increased significantly to 85.4% (p<.0001), out of which 71.4% preferred it to conventional images. Moreover, 21.4% of respondents reported having used digital radiographic examinations for more than 3 years. A significant increase in use of intraoral digital radiography (p=0.0316) was observed in 2015. In both years, image quality and high cost were indicated, respectively, as the main advantage and disadvantage of digital radiographic examinations.

Conclusion

This study showed that digital radiology has become more common in Brazil over the past 5 years. Most of the Brazilian dental practitioners evaluated in 2015 used digital radiographic examinations.

Attitude and awareness of general dental practitioners toward radiation hazards and safety

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

The aim and objective is to evaluate the level of awareness and attitude about radiation hazards and safety practices among general dental practitioners in Trivandrum District, Kerala, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 general dental practitioners in Trivandrum District, Kerala, India. Postanswering the questions, a handout regarding radiation safety and related preventive measures was distributed to encourage radiation understanding and protection.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Statistical analysis were done by assessing the results using Chi-square statistical test, t-test, and other software (Microsoft excel + SPSS 20.0 trail version).

RESULTS

Among 300 general practitioners (247 females and 53 males), 80.3% of the practitioners were found to have a separate section for radiographic examination in their clinics. Intraoral radiographic machines were found to be the most commonly (63.3%) used radiographic equipment while osteoprotegerin was the least (2%). Regarding the practitioner's safety measures, only 11.7% of them were following all the necessary steps while 6.7% clinicians were not using any safety measure in their clinic, and with respect to patient safety, only 9.7% of practitioners were following the protocol.

CONCLUSION

The level of awareness of practitioners regarding radiation hazards and safety was found to be acceptable. However, implementation of their knowledge with respect to patient and personnel safety was found wanting. Insisting that they follow the protocols and take necessary safety measures by means of continuing medical education programs, pamphlets, articles, and workshops is strongly recommended.

Intensive care nurses' knowledge of radiation safety and their behaviors towards portable radiological examinations

Background:

Radiological examinations for patients who are hospitalized at intensive care units are usually performed using portable radiography devices. However they may require knowledge and safety precautions of nurses.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to investigate ICU nurses’ knowledge of radiation safety and their behaviors towards portable radiological examinations.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 44 intensive care nurses were recruited for this cross-sectional descriptive study using census sampling during April and May 2014. The study setting was at intensive care units of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, Iran. An eleven-item questionnaire and a five-item checklist were used for evaluating nurses’ radiation protection knowledge and behaviors, respectively. An expert panel consisting of ten nursing and radiology faculty members confirmed the content validity of the questionnaire and the checklist. Moreover, a Geiger-Müller counter was used for measuring ionizing radiation during portable radiological examinations. Study data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 13.0. Mean, standard deviation, frequency and one-sample t test were used for description of the data. The level of significance was set at below 0.05.

Results:

The mean of participants’ radiation protection knowledge was 4.77 ± 1.38. The most prevalent radiation protection behavior of nurses was leaving the intensive care unit during portable radiological examinations. Only 6.8% of nurses stayed at the nursing station during radiological examinations. The highest dose of radiation was 0.11 micro Sievert per hour (μSv/h), which was much lower than the highest permitted level of radiation exposure i.e. 0.25 μSv/h.

Conclusions:

Portable radiological examinations did not expose healthcare providers to high doses of ionizing radiation. Nurses’ radiation protection knowledge was limited and hence, they require in-service education programs.

Creation of a dental X-ray unit with a contactless exposure control switch

OBJECTIVE

A new dental radiographic unit (DXRU) with a contactless switch for adjusting exposure conditions and a foot-pedal exposure switch was developed to prevent bacterial or viral contamination from patients and was compared with a conventional DXRU with a panel push-button switch with respect to user friendliness.

METHODS

45 fourth-year dental school students carried out intraoral radiography using both types of DXRU. Errors regarding dose shortages of X-rays were compared and a questionnaire completed.

RESULTS

22 (49%) of the 45 students failed to provide the correct radiographic exposure and the number of errors was 32 for the conventional DXRU, and 4 (9%) students failed to provide the correct radiographic exposure and the number of errors was 4 for our new DXRU, at the first stage (p < 0.001). At the second stage, the number of students who failed to provide the correct radiographic exposure and the number of errors decreased to 12 and 16, respectively, for the conventional DXRU (p < 0.05). 37 (82%) of the 45 students preferred our DXRU because of its contactless switch and the push-pedal exposure switch.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggested that our new contactless mechanism should be used for other DXRUs for contamination control.

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

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.

Questionnaire surveys of dentists on radiology

OBJECTIVES

Survey by questionnaire is a widely used research method in dental radiology. A major concern in reviews of questionnaires is non-response. The objectives of this study were to review questionnaire studies in dental radiology with regard to potential survey errors and to develop recommendations to assist future researchers.

METHODS

A literature search with the software search package PubMed was used to obtain internet-based access to Medline through the website www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. A search of the English language peer-reviewed literature was conducted of all published studies, with no restriction on date. The search strategy found articles with dates from 1983 to 2010. The medical subject heading terms used were "questionnaire", "dental radiology" and "dental radiography". The reference sections of articles retrieved by this method were hand-searched in order to identify further relevant papers. Reviews, commentaries and relevant studies from the wider literature were also included.

RESULTS

53 questionnaire studies were identified in the dental literature that concerned dental radiography and included a report of response rate. These were all published between 1983 and 2010. In total, 87 articles are referred to in this review, including the 53 dental radiology studies. Other cited articles include reviews, commentaries and examples of studies outside dental radiology where they are germane to the arguments presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-response is only one of four broad areas of error to which questionnaire surveys are subject. This review considers coverage, sampling and measurement, as well as non-response. Recommendations are made to assist future research that uses questionnaire surveys.

Compliance of Iranian dentists with safety standards of oral radiology

OBJECTIVES

Dentists use radiographs in their daily practice. Their knowledge and behaviour towards radiographic examination can affect patients' exposure to radiation. The aim of this study was to survey the knowledge and behaviour of Iranian dentists regarding oral radiology safety standards.

METHODS

1000 questionnaires were given to the participants of the 48th Annual Congress of the Iranian Dental Association, of which 700 were returned. The participants were asked about demographic data, primary knowledge of radiation protection, selection criteria, radiographic equipment and technique, methods of patient and personnel protection and management of radiographic waste. Descriptive analysis of data was performed.

RESULTS

44% of respondents said the initial radiograph they took was of the periapical view of a limited area. 12% preferred the periapical paralleling technique. F-speed film was used by 9% and E-speed film by 62%. Only 2% had digital receptors. Proper exposure time was selected by 26.5%. The use of long and rectangular collimators was 15% and 6%, respectively. 34% occasionally covered their patients with both thyroid shields and lead aprons. 36% used the position and distance rule correctly for their own protection. Proper disposal of the used processing solutions and the lead foils were done by only 1% and 3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that the majority of dentists in the study group did not select the proper method, material and equipment in order to minimize the exposure of their patient to unnecessary radiation in dental radiography.

Dental students' knowledge and attitudes towards cone beam computed tomography in Turkey

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate students' knowledge and attitudes regarding cone beam CT (CBCT).

METHODS

A questionnaire consisting of 11 questions was given to 472 dental students (280 pre-graduate and 192 post-graduate) at two institutions located in Ankara, Turkey (Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry, and Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry). Differences in responses by institution, education level and sex were statistically assessed with the χ(2) test.

RESULTS

Statistical results showed that only 63.3% of students had heard of CBCT. Of these, 59.9% said they had learned about CBCT in their classes, 31.0% in seminars and 20.9% from the internet; 76.8% felt that CBCT was not given adequate coverage in their courses; 69% thought that CBCT should be taught as part of their clinical education; 91% thought it essential for CBCT to be available at dental faculties; 53.5% believed that the use of CBCT would become more widespread in the near future; and 84.9% wished to use CBCT technology in their future careers.

CONCLUSION

This research suggests that efforts should be made to improve students' knowledge base regarding CBCT and that the dental school curriculum should devote more curriculum time to this promising new technology.

The usage of digital radiography and cone beam computed tomography among Turkish dentists

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the use of digital radiography and report how it was used by Turkish dentists.

METHODS

The survey was based on 383 dentists who were present at the sixteenth International Congress organized by the Turkish Dental Association. A questionnaire which consisted of 19 questions was given to the dentists who participated in the study. Data were assessed according to frequency distribution and the χ(2) test was used to determine the significance of differences between two independent groups.

RESULTS

376 questionnaires were analysed. The mean age of the dentists who participated in the study was 37.14 ± 9.6 years (range: 20-63 years). The distribution of the dentists according to the 7 regions of Turkey were: Marmara 58%, Aegean 13% and Mediterranean 10%, Central Anatolia 8%, Black Sea 7%, Southeastern Anatolia 3%, Eastern Anatolia 1%. 124 dentists (33%) said they did not work with digital radiography. 95 dentists indicated that they did not use digital radiography owing to cost (60%). 252 dentists (67%) said they used digital radiography. 40% of the participants noted that the repetition of periapical radiographs was due to digital radiography. 166 dentists (55.9%) and 79.1% academicians had knowledge about cone beam CT (CBCT).

CONCLUSION

Digital radiography users are increasing in Turkey and levels of knowledge of CBCT and awareness of radiation safety has also increased.