A study to assess the knowledge and awareness related to radiographic protection in undergraduate dental students

Introduction: In the field of dentistry, X-rays are utilized broadly for diagnosing dental diseases as well as providing therapeutic means.1 X-rays are used from mild conditions such as incipient caries to severe conditions such as alveolar bone loss and implant placement. Hence, dental therapist, office staff and the patients are at high risk to exposure of ionizing radiations. Aim of the Study: To study the knowledge and assessment related to radiographic protection in undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among undergraduate dental students. For the study, we selected undergraduate dental students from 3rd year, 4th year and internship. A total of 120 students were included in the study. A questionnaire related to radiation protocol in the form of multiple choices was given to each participant and the response sheets were collected after 30 minutes. Results: A total of 120 undergraduate students were included in the study. The number of students from third year were 50, from final year were 39 and from internship were 31. We observed that in 3rd year, students with low knowledge were 24, moderate knowledge were 12 and with sufficient knowledge were 14. In 4th year, students with low knowledge were 12, moderate knowledge were 15 and with sufficient knowledge were 12. Conclusion: The interns and final year students are more knowledgeable and aware of radioprotection and its harmful effects on exposure as compared to third year students. The rigorous clinical training along with extensive theoretical teaching provided to final year students and interns posted in clinical departments, likely to be responsible for this difference in knowledge of students.