TITLE:
Radio Protection Measures in Endodontics: Survey among Dentists in Casablanca
AUTHORS:
Sara Dhoum, Radia Skalli, Kenza Benzidouh, Zineb El Hajjioui, Mouna Hamza, Hafsa El Merini
KEYWORDS:
Digital Radiograph, Radiographic Film, Dental Radiography, Radiography, Dentistry, Radiation Protection, Endodontics
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.6,
June
28,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Imaging is an essential tool for good endodontic practice. It participates in the diagnosis and control of the different phases of treatment. However, it should not be forgotten that it is indeed an examination involving ionizing radiation, which can have harmful effects on the patient’s health as well as the practitioner’s and his paramedical staff if the exposure times are long or repeated. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the knowledge and practices of radiation protection in endodontics among dentists in private practice in Casablanca. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months from October 12, 2022, to January 10, 2023, among private practice dentists of Casablanca. A questionnaire with 33 questions was distributed. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using SPSS software in the epidemiology laboratory at the Faculty of Dentistry in Casablanca. Results: Of the 320 dentists selected by simple random sampling, 233 dentists agreed to participate in this study, representing a response rate of 72.8%. All the interrogated dentists stated that they were equipped with an intraoral radiographic device, which was located inside the treatment room for 98.3% and 84.1% of dentists used a digital sensor, 60.1% of the practitioners held the X-ray receiver inside the patient’s mouth themselves, 42.9% of the dentists were within 2 m of the patient and the X-ray tube without any protective barrier, 70.4% of the dentists interrogated were not aware of the As low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle. Conclusion: The present survey highlighted that the knowledge and practices of dentists regarding radiation protection during endodontic procedures were unsatisfactory, as has been found in many other countries. It is, therefore, necessary to raise the awareness of the practitioners on the importance of respecting the rules of radioprotection for better use of radiographic examinations.