TITLE:
Determination of the Local Diagnostic Reference Level in Panoramic Radiography for the Evaluation of Radiation Doses in Dental Offices in Abidjan
AUTHORS:
Boimyo Eric Koffi, Issa Konate, Akalé Bernadette Akon-Laba, Aboubacar Sidiki Diabate, Jean-Bertin Beugre
KEYWORDS:
Diagnostic Reference Level, Dose-Area Product, Panoramic Radiography, Radiation Protection
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Radiology,
Vol.16 No.3,
September
18,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To date, no data on Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) have been recorded in Ivorian dental practice. Moreover, the determination of these DRLs still seems to be an area of research that remains insufficiently explored in the dental field in Africa, despite the fact that international bodies encourage each Nation to develop its dose reference levels adapted to the equipment used and their practice. The objective of this study was to establish Diagnostic Reference Levels in children and adults based on dental panoramic radiographs. Material and Method: Five radiographic devices installed in five dental offices were selected. Using a Diamentor M4KDK-type 11017 DAP meter, the values of Dose-Area Product in mGy∙cm2 were measured. In each dental office, thirty-five adult patients and twenty-five child patients were considered. The exposure parameters for each patient (voltage, current, and exposure time) were extracted. The third quartile values, considered as local diagnostic reference levels, were established. Results: A total of 300 children and adult patients were included in this study. The results showed that the third quartile values for children and adults varied respectively from 45.3 to 90.6 mGy∙cm2 and 106.3 to 160.9 mGy∙cm2. The local values of the Diagnostic Reference Levels established overall were 85.35 mGy∙cm2 for children and 149.6 mGy∙cm2 for adults. Conclusion: The Diagnostic Reference Levels obtained in this study were significantly higher compared to those in other countries. Nevertheless, these values remain lower than those reported in other countries. Hence, there is a need to raise awareness among professionals about the risks of ionizing radiation.