Radiation in Dental Practice: Awareness, Protection and Recommendations

Abstract

Radiation is the transmission of energy through space and matter. There are several forms of radiation, including ionizing and nonionizing. X-rays are the ionizing radiation used extensively in medical and dental practice. Even though they provide useful information and aid in diagnosis, they also have the potential to cause harmful effects.In dentistry, it is mainly used for diagnostic purposes and in a dental set-up usually the practicing dentist exposes, processes and interprets the radiograph. Even though such exposure is less, it is critical to reduce the exposure to the dental personnel and patients in order to prevent the harmful effects of radiation. Several radiation protection measures have been advocated to ameliorate these effects.A survey conducted in the Bengaluru among practicing dentists revealed that radiation protection awareness was very low and the necessary measures taken to reduce the exposure were not adequate. The aim of the article is to review important parameters that must be taken into consideration in the clinical set-up to reduce radiation exposure to patients and dental personnel.

Oral Radiology Safety Standards Adopted by the General Dentists Practicing in National Capital Region (NCR)

“…Similar preferences have been seen in this study and also the ones conducted by Mutyabule [10][11][12][14][15][16][17]. It has been shown that using of rectangular open ended PID (3.5x4.4cm) reduces the skin exposure by 60% than that of round [9]. E-speed film reduces the radiation dosage to about 50% as compared to the D-speed films and with the usage of F-speed films there's further 20% reduction in radiation dosage.…”

“…According to Praveen BN a well calibrated dental X-ray machine will have an output of 0.7 to 1R/sec. This calibration must be done in every three years [9].…”

“…However, paralleling technique involves less exposure due to scattered radiation to the thyroid gland and the eye and produces more accurate images. Whereas, due to the steep vertical angulation involved in bisecting angle technique, chances of radiation exposure of the thyroid gland and the lens of the eye are higher [9]. Majority of the dentists were not affirmative of taking radiographs in a pregnant women, this finding was a favourable one as according to the recommendations given by Praveen BS et al, in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice the greatest risk to the foetus for chromosomal abnormalities and subsequent mental retardation is between 8 and 15 weeks of pregnancy [9].…”

“…According to Praveen BN et al, in a questionnaire survey conducted in Bengaluru, it was found that 60% dentists were disposing the radiation waste into gutter [9]. Whereas, in another study conducted by Mehta A et al, in Chandigarh, it was observed that a safe system for health-care waste management and disposal was adopted by 96.4% but only 39.8% were sure whether they were following all Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations in their clinic [18].…”

Knowledge, Awareness And Practice of Sudanese Dentists Towards Oral Radiology And Protective Guidelines

“…These radiations could either be from a natural source" external or internal sources" or a man-made source [1] that mostly contributes to medical and dental radiography. [2] In dentistry, radiographs are very helpful in detecting oral diseases, cavities, bone related problems, treatment planning as well as follow-up after treatments.…”