Dentistry

Abstract

Attitude of the Dental Staff towards Radiation Safety in Georgia-Radiation Protection of Patients and Staff

Ana Maisuradze*, Ketevan Kiguradze-Gogilashvili, Flavien Fettak, Zurab Alkhanishvili, Ketevan Oghiashvili, Madona Akhobadze and David Nadareishvili

Objectives: Dentists use radiographic imaging methods in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases, more often than any other health professional, but exposure to ionizing radiation does not come without risk. The aim of this study was to survey the attitude of Georgian operators (dentists, dental assistants, radiographers and other medical staff) regarding oral radiology safety standards.

Methods: 402 questionnaires were given to dental staff working in different dental clinics in Tbilisi, who perform dental intraoral imaging. The participants were asked about radiation protection of patients and dental staff, attitudes and behaviors regarding radiation protection. The questionnaire also included questions about the socio- demographic characteristics of the participants and management of radiographic waste. Descriptive statistics of data were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program.

Results: Only 39.43% of the participants followed radiation protection and radiation safety course. 26.76% of operators use the position and distance rules correctly for their own protection. 39.43% of operators always take their dosimeters. 25.36% of the patients hold imaging receptors with hand during intraoral radiography procedure. 61.97% of professionals hold imaging receptors with their own hand and only 12.68% of professionals use film holder. 73.24% of practitioners use the same exposure parameters for adult and pediatric patients. 35.21% of operators use lead aprons and 32.39% of operators use thyroid collar for their patients during exposition. 26.76% of participants maintain exposure history. 67.61% of cases traceability of X-ray dose is not performed. 71.83% of participants don’t keep any X-ray source quality control management Journal.

Conclusion: The present study has revealed a lack of knowledge on the part of dental staff about the rules and guidelines for the practice of radiology and radioprotection, emphasizing the need for operators to improve their knowledge. There is a definite need to reinforce the importance of radiation protection in the dental curriculum in Georgia.

Published Date: 2023-10-20; Received Date: 2023-09-19