Knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) of dental undergraduates and interns on radiographic protection-A questionnaire based cross-sectional study

Background: Radiation hazards are harmful and it becomes precarious when there is a professional negligence or ignorance. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of the clinical year dental students and interns towards radiation protection protocols. Design: Institutional based study. Materials & Method: The study participants comprised of 234 dental undergraduates students and interns, whose curriculum includes dental radiology. The information was collected from each participant through structured questionnaires (18 in number) containing answers in the form of multiple choices. Statistical analysis: Pearson chi-square test and Fisher's exact test was done to evaluate the statistical significance. Results: Among 234 samples enrolled in the study 62 were interns and 172 were undergraduates (80 from third year and 92 from fourth year). Over all correct response was 77.3% and it was noted in descending order from Interns 90.62%, followed by fourth year (83.8%) and third year students (61%). Conclusion: The Knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) level in regard to radiation protection protocol was noted to be higher with interns and the least with third years. This outcome necessitates incessant teaching to ensure maximum safety.