Compliance of Iranian dentists with safety standards of oral radiology.
OBJECTIVE
Dentists use radiographs in their daily practice. Their knowledge and behaviour towards radiographic examination can affect patients' exposure to radiation. The aim of this study was to survey the knowledge and behaviour of Iranian dentists regarding oral radiology safety standards.


METHODS
1000 questionnaires were given to the participants of the 48th Annual Congress of the Iranian Dental Association, of which 700 were returned. The participants were asked about demographic data, primary knowledge of radiation protection, selection criteria, radiographic equipment and technique, methods of patient and personnel protection and management of radiographic waste. Descriptive analysis of data was performed.


RESULTS
44% of respondents said the initial radiograph they took was of the periapical view of a limited area. 12% preferred the periapical paralleling technique. F-speed film was used by 9% and E-speed film by 62%. Only 2% had digital receptors. Proper exposure time was selected by 26.5%. The use of long and rectangular collimators was 15% and 6%, respectively. 34% occasionally covered their patients with both thyroid shields and lead aprons. 36% used the position and distance rule correctly for their own protection. Proper disposal of the used processing solutions and the lead foils were done by only 1% and 3%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
It can be concluded that the majority of dentists in the study group did not select the proper method, material and equipment in order to minimize the exposure of their patient to unnecessary radiation in dental radiography.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahed University, Shahed Dental School, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. sh.shahab@mailcity.com
S
S
Shahab
A
A
Kavosi
H
H
Nazarinia
S
S
Mehralizadeh
M
M
Mohammadpour
M
M
Emami
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D018057:Dental Waste; D003815:Dentists / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061214:Patient Safety; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000592:standards*; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000592:standards*; D011871:Radiology / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018057:Dental Waste