Guidelines for radiation protection in dental radiographic examinations: a questionnaire-based summary

ABSTRACT

We aimed to develop a dental radiation protection guideline for patients and dental personnel through a questionnaire on safety management in dentists, radiological technologists and dental hygienists at dental institutions. The survey of dental institutions was conducted and statistically assessed. In the image receptor system of intraoral radiograph, film-based type (11.3%), DR type (34.9%), and panoramic radiograph of film-based type (8.3%) and DR type (22.1%) were included. Genital protector (92.9%), thyroid gland protector (65.4%), lead gloves and lead glasses (95.4%), and shielding devices (0.7%) were not used. Based on the results of the study, exposure protection apparatus, patient’s image acquisition by licensed radiologists, and reduction of exposure levels by dental personnel are needed, in order to achieve safety in dental examinations. Radiation protection and safety management at dental institutions was insufficient, and dental personnel should utilize current radiation safety management guideline and continuing education to enable dose management.

KEYWORDS:

• Dental radiography
• guidelines
• radiation protection
• questionnaire

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Korean Government (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, KDCA) in 2018 and conducted in support of the Research Center for Disease Control (No. 2018E3806000).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eun-Gyeong Lee

Eun-Gyeong Lee is presently Professor in the department of Dental Hygiene at the Jeonbuk Science College, Jeogeub, Republic of Korea. She got her PhD degree in Public Health from Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea. Her research interests include the Dental Hygiene and Public Health.

Gye Won Jang

Gye Weon Jang is currently Professor in the department of Dental Hygiene at the Jinju Health College, Jinju, Republic of Korea. She got her PHD degree in Education from Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea. Her areas of research interest are Dental Hygiene and Education.

Kyeong Hee Lee

Kyung Hee Lee is an Associate Professor in the department of Dental Hygiene at the Shinhan University, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. She obtained her PhD degree in Dentistry from Chonnam National University of Gwangju, Republic of Korea. Her research encompasses a broad range of topics in Dental Hygiene and Dentistry.

Dae Cheol Kweon

Dae Cheol Kweon is an Associate Professor in the department of Radiological Science at the Shinhan University, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. He received his PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Ajou University of Suwon, Republic of Korea. His areas of research interest are Computed Tomography of Radiological Science, Medical Imaging and Biomedical Engineering.