Survey of dental radiographic services in private dental clinics in Damascus, Syria

Objectives: To perform a radiographic survey of private dental clinics in Damascus, Syria using a postal questionnaire to produce recommendations for improving the quality of dental radiographic services and education in Syria. Methods: Three hundred private dental clinics in Damascus were surveyed using a postal questionnaire (in English and Arabic) containing 27 questions on demographic information, equipment, techniques, selection criteria, frequency of examinations, and undergraduate/ postgraduate education. Results: Two hundred and two (67%) dentists responded of which 95% graduated in Syria. The results showed a general lack of knowledge and understanding of dental radiography. Sixty four per cent did not know the kVp setting of their equipment, 73% used D-speed film. 57% did not use film holders and beam aiming devices. 25% did not use a viewing box. In addition, 45% of known equipment operated at 50 kVp or less and 16% was over 20 years old. No meaningful selection criteria existed with a wide variation in type and frequency of radiographs used for different clinical conditions. Syrian undergraduate training in dental radiology was minimal and there was no postgraduate education in the speciality. Conclusions: Several areas of the radiographic service in Damascus fall short of current recommendations on good practice. Recommendations are made to improve the service, the quality of undergraduate education and to establish postgraduate education.