An investigation of radiation protection knowledge, attitudes and practices of North Queensland dentists

Ihle, Isabella R., Neibling, Emma, Albrecht, Katia, Treston, Hannah, and Sholapurkar, Amar (2019) An investigation of radiation protection knowledge, attitudes and practices of North Queensland dentists. Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 10 (1). e12374.

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View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1111/jicd.12374
 
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Abstract

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.

Item ID: 55106
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 2041-1626
Keywords: general dentists, Queensland radiation health, radiation protection, radiation protection knowledge, radiation safety
Copyright Information: Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
Date Deposited: 22 Aug 2018 02:07
FoR Codes: 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3203 Dentistry > 320399 Dentistry not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920203 Diagnostic Methods @ 100%
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