Evaluation of Radiation Protection Awareness amongst General Dental Practitioners of Western Rajasthan in India

Dental radiography is routinely used in clinical dentistry, but principles of radiation protection are not taken into consideration by many practicing dentists. Hence, this study is undertaken to evaluate dentists' attitude toward radiation hazards and awareness regarding radiation protection techniques in dental clinics amongst dental practitioners of Western Rajasthan. In this cross-sectional study, awareness regarding radiation safety measures in dental clinics was assessed on 163 dental practitioners of Western Rajasthan during a Continuing Dental Education Programme (CDE). 48.46% dentist had poor, and 49.07% had moderate knowledge about radiation protection in dental radiology. Only 2.45% had thorough knowledge about radiation protection techniques. It was alarming to know that dentist's knowledge and awareness regarding radiation protection techniques in dental clinics was not satisfactory. Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on radiation hazards and radiation protection techniques in undergraduate and post-graduate curriculum and CDE programmes. The dentists must update themselves regarding radiation protection techniques to improve their radiology practice in the welfare of both patients and themselves.