Radiation protection knowledge and practices among Moroccan dentists: A cross-sectional study

Objective

To analyze the current status of knowledge and practices among the Moroccan dentists in the region of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, towards radiation protection.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire related to knowledge and practice regarding radiation protection of patients and dental staff from April to June 2022. The study sample included 325 dentists practicing in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. The target population consisted of all dentists working in public, semi-public and private workplaces.

Results

96.6% of dentists were aware of radiation protection. However, nearly 35% were aware of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle and 73.9% thought that dental X-rays are harmful. 63.6%of subjects used digital image receptor. Only 16.7% of them used a film holder and more than 60% didn't follow the position and distance rule. The median knowledge score was 7 [5, 9], and there was a statistically significant difference according to dentist qualification (P ​= ​0.007), dental radiation protection continuous training (P ​< ​0.0001), age (P = ​0.007) and years of experience (P ​= ​0.039). The median practice score was 5 [4, 6] and there was a statically significance association according to workplace setting (P ​= ​0.001). There was a significant positive relationship between knowledge score and practice score (r ​= ​0.24, P<0.0001). Dentist qualification (OR 0.51, 95%CI: 0.27–0.94, P ​= ​0.03) and continuous training (OR 2.40, 95%CI: 1.47–3.93, P<0.0001) were significant predictors of knowledge, while workplace setting (OR 0.54, 95%CI: 0.32–0.93, P ​= ​0.027) and knowledge score (OR 1.24, 95%CI: 1.12–1.38, P<0.0001) were predictors of practices.

Conclusion

Improving dentists' knowledge of radiation protection measures and tools as well as dose reduction techniques could increase their safe practices in dental radiology.