Common Mistakes and Negligence in Pediatric Dental Radiography - Are We Really Aware?: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aim In the present day scenario it is likely that the knowledge and perception on radiographic protection among dental students and graduates is high but their attitude towards taking appropriate precautions might be low. The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge and relative prevalence of common errors and negligence towards following proper radiographic techniques and radiation protection in pediatric dentistry.Methods The present study was conducted involving dental students and clinical practitioners routinely dealing with radiography in their clinical practice. A questionnaire comprising of multiple choice questions regarding knowledge practice and common errors in relation to pediatric dental radiography and preventive measures of ionizing radiation was distributed among dental undergraduates postgraduates general practitioners and pediatric dentists practicing in dental institutes government hospitals and private clinics in India. The collected data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the SPSS software for Windows.Results The questionnaire responses were collected from one hundred and fifty dental students and graduated dentists. Over 50 of the respondents agreed that digital radiography uses lesser radiation when compared to conventional radiography and 85.8 were familiar with the ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable principle. Dental postgraduates general practitioners and pediatric dentists belonging to the academic field were found to be the most aware about radiation reduction measures.Conclusion The importance of adopting preventive measures for radiation protection needs to be stressed among general practitioners pediatric postgraduate students and pediatric dentists belonging to government sectors and private setups. Means to increase awareness and implementation of regulations should be addressed to limit the errors.