Knowledge and awareness regarding radiation and radiation protection among dental hygiene students

OBJECTIVES Radiographic imaging methods are frequently used in the everyday activity of dental settings in the diagnosis and treatment planning of oral and maxillofacial diseases. Medical images in dental clinics are obtained using X-ray devices that give two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) radiographic images. Depending on the patient's clinical problem, either intra-oral radiography or extra-oral radiography can be used. Periapical, bitewing, and occlusal radiography are the three main intra-oral imaging procedures, whereas extra-oral radiography includes imaging of the jaw and facial area (craniofacial) of the patient by three main techniques known as panoramic, cephalometric and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge about imaging and radiation safety and protection of dental hygiene students. MATERIALS AND METHODS This survey was conducted in the dental hygiene school. The survey questionnaire used in this study was developed to assess the knowledge about imaging and radiation safety and protection by dental hygiene students. The questions were designed in the form of affirmative sentences with "true" and "false" answers, except for the item regarding which organ or tissue is the most radiosensitive. Demographic data about the participants along with their year of study were collected in the same questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 61 dental hygiene students (mean age: 21.5 +/- 3.2) participated in this survey. On the whole, 49 were females and 12 males. CONCLUSIONS The present survey shows that radiation protection awareness among dental hygiene students could be improved. On the whole, 85,2% of dental hygiene students appropriately chose the thyroid as the most radiation-sensitive tissue, while 13,1% replied to the same question as salivary glands. In the literature, the thyroid gland is indicated as the most radiation-sensitive organ in dental imaging, and it is suggested that radiation protection measures be taken specifically to this tissue, as agreed by the included students. In dental imaging, radiation quality assurance includes specific measures to be taken, such as the use of thyroid collars on the patient if necessary, monitoring the staff doses, and periodic supervision of the radiographic devices by the government. The use of thyroid collars should especially be encouraged for pediatric patients, female patients in the reproductive age group, and pregnant patients, considering any risk as late effect of low-dose radiation exposure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Greater emphasis could be put on the dental radiology course during dental hygiene degree courses at universities.